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AMONG THE LINDENS 


By the Same Author, 


THE LITTLE LADY OF THE HORSE. 

Illustrated by Frank T. Merrill. 

THE MUSHROOM CAVE. 

Illustrated by Victor A. Searles- 

A CAPE MAY DIAMOND. 

Illustrated by Lilian Crawford True. 

Square lamo. Cloth, extra. $ 1 . 50 . 

THE LITTLE RED SCHOOLHOUSE. 

Illustrated by Victor A. Searles. 


Square 12 mo. Cloth. $1.25. 






Bearing in her arms the p.asket of chrysanthemums 




Among the Lindens 


BY' 

EVELYN RAYMOND 

M 

AUTHOR OF 

"the little lady of the horse,” "the mushroom cave 
"a cape may diamond,” ‘‘the little red 
schoolhouse,” etc. 


UllustratEli 

By victor a. SEARLES 




BOSTON 

LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY 

1898 




.'5 






Copyright, 1898, 

By Little, Brown, and Company. 
All rights reserved. 


1G327 


Of co»e^ss 

0?f'CE OF 

OCT #^1898 

of 

TIVO COPIES RECEIVED. ', 

MsSniteitg ^rcss: 

John Wilson and Son, Cambridge, U.S.A. 


1803 . 




CONTENTS 


Chapter Page 

I. A Kindly Deed 1 

II. Pink Petals and Bright Visions ... 13 

III. A Chrysanthemum Dinner 28 

IV. A Generous Conspiracy 41 

V. In Old Trinity 54 

VI. “ Humpty-Dumpty’s ” Novel Experience 67 

VII. Dining in State 81 

VIII. Propounding a Riddle 94 

IX. The First Evening in the New Home . 108 

X. Another Little Episode 121 

XL Miss Joanna 136 

XII. Bits of Natural History 150 

XIIL Getting down to Realities 161 

XIV. Apis Mellifica 175 

XV. Streaks of Human Nature 187 

XVI. A Modern King Arthur 201 

XVII. Roland’s Project 217 

XVIII. Robert’s Occupation Gone 229 

XIX. Robert’s Happy Guess 244 

XX. Wistaria 261 

XXL Three Years Later. —The Result . . 277 



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ILLUSTEATIONS. 


FROM DRAWINGS BY VICTOR A. SEARLES. 

PAGE 

“ Bearing in her arms the basket of chrysan- 
themums ” Frontispiece 

“ He cast a supercilious glance about upon the 

SPECTATORS ” 94 

“ ‘ WULL, BE YOU THE EGG WOMAN? ’ ” 145 

“ ‘ Let me ask you one or two things. May 1? ’ ” 184 

“‘Why, folks! what’s all this?”’ 233 

“There was no answer, and Miss Joanna turned 


ABOUT SWIFTLY 




267 






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AMONG THE LINDENS. 


CHAPTER I. 

A KINDLY DEED. 

T OOK out ! Oh, look out, sir ! ” 

1 V Is the man senseless ? cried a second 
voice. 

This way, sir — this way — quick ! Dear me ! 
Are you hurt ? ’’ 

The school-girl who had uttered the first ex- 
clamation darted suddenly forward into the midst 
of the crowd, and pulled from under the very 
hoofs of the horses, attached to a heavy dray, 
the queer little old gentleman who had occa- 
sioned her outcry. 

Every New Yorker knows how thronged is 
that particular point, at the southwestern corner 
of pretty Madison Square, where Broadway, Fifth 
Avenue, and Twenty-third Street — all favorite 
thoroughfares of the shoppers — meet to shake 


o 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


hands, as it were; while each adds its comple- 
ment of humanity on foot and humanity in 
vehicles to swell the current eddying about the 
corner. 

A gay and lively place it was, on that early 
afternoon. All the curbstone merchants had 
come out with their mechanical toys, forever 
getting under the pedestrians’ feet, tripping 
them up, and threatening more than one with 
mischance. 

Among such was an old gentleman whose dress 
was quaint and out of style, while his manner 
was that of one unused to scenes of confusion. 
For some moments he had stood upon the side- 
walk, w'atching with curious interest what went 
on about him ; but when a papier-mache monkey 
gave a realistic spring from the end of an elastic 
cord, and clasped his ankle, he stepped boldly 
forth into the whirlpool of wheels. For half the 
short distance between curbs all went well ; then 
he slipped upon the slimy pavement, and just 
where hoofs and wheels were in most hopeless 
tangle, he fell. 

There was an outcry of horror from many 
throats. 

The policeman piloting a party of women over 
the crossing turned hurriedly, just in time to see 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


■o 
O 

what had happened, as well as a slim girlish 
figure spring to the rescue. 

Stop ! That ’s dangerous ! Why should two 
be killed ? ” 

There were groans and execrations from the 
drivers of carts and carriages, the swiftly form- 
ing blockade which follows any break in the 
routine of city transit, and the patrolman was 
back, seizing the old man’s shoulder and de- 
manding why he should make so much more 
disturbance than was necessary by tumbling 
down in that ridiculous manner. Or if the 
policeman did not put his inquiry in just those 
words he made it distinctly evident to Mr. Phi- 
lipse Chidly Brook that visitors who could not 
conduct themselves any better than he had done 
might likely find themselves at the station-house, 
to be cared for at the public expense. 

Come this way with me, will you ? Come 
this way just for a moment ! ” cried the old gen- 
tleman, and seized upon Bonny’s hand so forcibly 
that, whether she would or no, she had to follow 
where he led. This was into the flower-shop 
close by, and she obeyed readily enough, after all; 
for she loved an adventure dearly and therefore 
— so her sister declared — was always meeting 
with one. 


4 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Isabelle, who had been with her all along, now 
interposed : Bonny ! What are yon doing ? 
Yon mnst not go anywhere with a stranger. 
Come away at once!” and she laid her hand 
in firm remonstrance upon thonghtless Beatrice’s 
shonlder. 

^^Yes, Belle; directly. Bnt I mnst see if he 
is hnrt. Come along, too.” 

‘^Yes, certainly; come along, too,” repeated 
Mr. Brook, turning toward the elder miss. 

“ Thank yon. It is impossible. Come, 
Bonny.” 

Bnt fnn-loving Bonny had already followed the 
man into the shop ; where, with a smile of grati- 
tude npon his very mnddy face, he asked : Who 
are yon, my dear ? ” 

Oh 1 no matter abont that, sir. Are yon 
hnrt?” 

Not at all, I think. Time will tell. I might 
have some . cracked bones abont my anatomy 
somewhere, and yet not know it, amid all this 
whirl and racket. Five-and-twenty years since 
I set foot in the streets of New York before, and 
I find them greatly changed. Bnt I mnst know 
yonr name, please. I mnst know to whom I am 
indebted for my life. I shonld have been killed 
bnt for yonr courage, my dear; or have been 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


5 


arrested and sent to the lock-up, than which I 
would almost think death preferable.” 

Bonny ! Bonny Beckwith ! Come at once ! 
Mother would be very much displeased! The 
idea of your following a stranger about in this 
way!” cried Belle, now opening the door of the 
shop, and looking threateningly at her sister. 

Directly, dear. Now, sir, can you tell me 
where you are stopping ? If you are such a 
stranger here, I should think you would better 
take a carriage to your home — or hotel. After 
twenty-five years the town must seem like a new 
world to you, or, I mean — ” 

Bonny ! ” 

^^Can I serve you, miss?” asked a clerk, com- 
ing forward, and Miss Beatrice interpreted his 
tone to mean : If I can I wish to do so at once. 
If I cannot I would like to have the store vacated. 
This is no rendezvous for adventurers.” 

No, I need nothing,” said Bonny, and moved 
to the door, nodding her head brightly toward 
her old gentleman, but casting rather wistful 
glances at the counters full of beautiful blossoms 
as she passed them on her way. 

Wait a moment ! Wait a moment, my dear ! 
I have heard your name, you see. Your sister 
spoke it. Here is my card ; and if you will not 


6 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


tell me where you live that I may call and thank 
you, at least let me give you a posy before we 
part. Pick out what you like. Pick out what 
you like, my dear, and I will pay for it. Here 
is my card, — Philipse Chidly Brook, New Wind- 
sor, New York. Everybody thereabouts knows 
me, as everybody hereabouts used to know me 
half a century ago, 

^ When I was young as you are young, 

And love-lights in the casement hung.’ ” 

Bonny dropped her hand from the door-knob. 

Why, that is Thackeray, sir ! So you know 
him, too?” 

Beatrice Beckwith ! Will you — or will you 
not — come ? I — am — going ! ” cried the in- 
dignant Isabelle, moving slowly away from her 
ill-conducted little sister. She was greatly shocked 
and mortified by Bonny’s readiness to take up 
with anything and anybody, and was quite jus- 
tified in her feeling ; for in most cases there is 
danger in any girl following a stranger, for even 
so slight a distance as Bonny had done, in a great 
city like New York. 

But this time she happened to be safe enough. 
Old Chidly Brook was a gentleman if ever one 
lived ; and queer and quaint as he now appeared, 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


7 


time had been when he was a great favorite even 
in the most exclusive circles of New York’s best 
society. 

My dear, my age is sufficient guaranty of 
my honor. Do allow me to give you a little 
bouquet of some sort. No ? Then — have you 
a mother ? ” 

Certainly. I have a dear, dear mother, who 
will be troubled if I stay from home longer. 
Good-by.” 

Her name ? Her number ? I must be al- 
lowed to call and pay her my respects ! ” In 
his eagerness, which was almost childish, the 
old man laid his thin hand upon Bonny’s 
wrist. 

She glanced down upon it; its delicacy and 
refinement appealed to her; she longed to know 
more of its owner, and replied : My mother is 
Mrs. Rachel Beckwith, Number Blank, Second 
Avenue.” Then she darted out of the shop and 
tried to look defiantly into the vexed face of her 
pretty sister Belle. 

But it was of no use. The defiance faded soon, 
and a whimsical humility took its place. I ’m 
sorry, I ’m awfully sorry, dear, that I did n’t 
mind you. I ’m sorry I did n’t let the dear old 
fellow lie there to be hurt. I — No, I don’t 


8 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


mean that. But I ’ll try to behave next time, 
I truly will.” 

H’m-m ! ” replied Isabelle ; and vouchsafed 
nothing further till they had reached their home, 
a cosey if small and plainly furnished flat ” at the 
location which Bonny had given Mr. Brook. 

That old gentleman, left in the flower-store 
after his young rescuer had departed, turned at 
once to the clerk. saw the child cast her 

eyes rather longingly, I thought, upon that vase 
of salmon-colored artemisias. Are they for sale?” 

Certainly,” replied the attendant, and moved 
the vase forward upon the counter. They are 
the same thing as artemisias, sir, but the popular 
name is chrysanthemum. These are prize flowers, 
from the late show. A rare color. One of our 
own originating.”' 

H’m-m, h’m-m. Very pretty, but roses suit 
me better. However, she looked at these more 
than she did at the roses and pinks, and I ’ll take 
them. How much are they ? ” 

Seventy-five cents each.” 

W -h-a-t ? How — much ? ’ ’ 

Seventy-five cents each. Chrysanthemums 
are the fashionable flower now. All the people 
at the horse-show — ” 

That ’s what I came into town to see. 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


9 


Thinks I to myself, Old fellow, brace up your- 
self a bit and take one more look at life be- 
fore you step behind the curtain. A great town, 
young man, and full of pitfalls.” 

'' Yes, sir,” respectfully. Will you take more 
than one of the blooms, sir ? ” 

More than one ! What do you think of me, 
lad? If you were going to send a posy to a 
pretty little girl, would you send her a pitiful, 
solitary blossom? If you would you ought to 
be ashamed of yourself ! ” 

The salesman laughed pleasantly, and awaited 
directions, which came promptly. 

Pick me out the prettiest and biggest basket 
you have in the shop. Then fill it with these 
artemisias — if there are enough. If not, finish 
out with white ones. She looked just like a 
pretty pink and white blossom herself, with her 
rosy cheeks and white teeth. And what eyes 
she had — did she not ? Yes, yes ; a big basket 
of posies is a small price to pay for old bones 
saved from breaking ! It must be of the best.” 

How will this please you ? ” asked the attend- 
ant, showing a pretty willow affair, shaped like 
the baskets seen in old-fashioned Annuals ” as 
held by the hands of high-coiffured dames with 
sloping shoulders and simpering mouths. 


10 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Mr. Chidly Brook was charmed directly. 

That ’s it 1 That is just the very thing ! 
Some of the good old notions have survived 
these silly later fashions, then ? Glad to hear 
it ! I am exceedingly glad to hear it. Now, 
young man, will you lend me a pen and paper, 
if you have such a thing handy?” 

^‘Certainly. Will you, please, step to the 

desk?” 

Just to write a little note, you know. A sort 
of billet-doux, as we called them in the old days. 
I was a hand — I was a master hand at writing 
billet-doux then. Let me see. Number Blank, 
Second Avenue. A most aristocratic neighbor- 
hood, is it not?” 

‘AYell — sir — I don’t know. It might be. 
It was once, they say. I — ” 

Enough. I hate these eternal ^ was onces ’ ! 
No matter. What will do for a home for that 
little girl must be a pretty sort of place any 
way. On our farm, my uncle’s, it was just 
above that grand street of millionaire residents — 
Fourteenth — What are you staring at, sir?” 

Nothing. Nothing whatever, beg pardon. 
But you must have known New York for many 
years. Fourteenth Street is now a synonym for 
a street of cheap lodging-houses and such; that 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


11 


is, the resident portion. The business part is fine 
enough. It will take about forty-three or five 
chrysanthemums to fill this basket. But we 
have smaller ones, sir, of the same shape. Will 
you look at them ? ” 

I said the biggest. I did n’t mean the small- 
est. Thank Heaven, Philipse Chidly Brook is 
still able to pay for a decent basket of posies for 
his little lady, I should hope ! Thank you. I 
will have the note written by the time the basket 
is filled. And I wish to have especial care used 
in the delivery of the same. The billet-doux is 
important. I would not have it lost.” 

It shall not be. But the filling of the basket 
will take some time, a half-hour at least.” 

No matter. I am not pressed for time. Yet. 
1 will wait.” 

He did wait, with what those better acquainted 
with him would have considered an unusual 
amount of patience; but the truth was that 
the old fellow had had a pretty severe shak- 
ing-up, and now that his excitement over the 
accident began to ebb, he was more and more 
conscious of pains and bruises. 

Finally, when the basket, perfect in its beauty, 
was tendered for his inspection, he rose very 
stifily and barely looked at it. 


12 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


“ Here is the bill, sir. Forty-three chrysanthe- 
mums at seventy-five cents, thirty-two dollars, 
twenty-five cents ; one basket, five — 

The amount, lad ! The amount ! I hate 
detail.” 

Thirty-nine dollars, twenty-five cents.” 

All right. Two twenty-dollar pieces. Keep 
the change and buy one posy for your girl ! ” 
And with this fine sarcasm, as he considered it, 
the old gentleman left the flower-shop, entered 
the cab which a cash-boy had called for him, 
and gave the direction : Astor House. At 
once.” 


CHAPTER II. 


PINK PETALS AND BKIGHT VISIONS. 

ES, Mother; if you cannot persuade Bea- 



J- trice to behave herself upon the street, I 
really think she should not be allowed to go out. 
Her goings on are very mortifying to me, and 
she is sure to get us into some dreadful sort of 
scrape yet, worse than that small-pox scare last 
week — ” 

Sweet maiden, all severe ! Don’t ! That is 
a sensitive point with your unfortunate sister I 
The less said upon it the more agreeable ! ” inter- 
rupted Bonny, skipping across the narrow parlor 
of the Beckwith home, whither they had just re- 
turned, and catching the tall Isabelle around the 
waist with a persuasive little hug. 

What have you been doing now, Beatrice?^’ 
asked the gentle little widow, looking up from a 
piece of wonderful embroidery, and fixing a half- 
amused, half-apprehensive gaze upon the younger 
girl’s face. 

Nothing, dear Motherkin, but a simple act of 


14 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


charity. I happened to see a funny old gentle- 
raan tumble down in the middle of the street, and 
I pulled him out of harm’s way. Isn’t that a 
right sort of thing to do?” 

^^But that is only the beginning,” added Belle. 

She was not contented with a really kind and 
brave rescue, but she must go oif with her pro- 
tege into a store and tell him all about ourselves, 
and — ” 

Isabelle ! Not ‘ all.’ I merely told him where 
we lived. And it was really an act of charity to 
ourselves. He will make a* delightful and very 
salable model for Motherkin’s embroidery. Lend 
me your pencil, dear. Let me show you ! ” 

Beatrice, have you done this foolish thing ? 
Did you go with any stranger into a shop ? ” 

Please don’t interrupt the flow of art. Mother- 
kin ! ” 

If you did, you must never do so again. 
Leave the person you have assisted to go his way 
and you go yours. And of all people to get into 
such affairs you are certainly the most unfortu- 
nate child I ever knew.*' 

I ’ll try to be good. Mother dear. Only it 
will he very difficult. He was a nice old man. 
This looks very like him. You must do his legs 
in burnt sienna. See ? And his coat — his coat 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


15 


was like a ‘ picter.’ All tight clown the back and 
very high-shoiildered as to sleeves, which also 
vrere very long and narrow. Do his coat in 
Prussian blue. His ^ weskit ’ was yellow ochre, 
touched up with umber ; and his hat — alas ! his 
hat had disappeared ! His face — Motherkin, he 
had a nice face. A good face, a — ” 

Like the tramp you let into the house, while 
we were out, to steal our last half-dozen silver 
spoons ! He, I remember, ‘ had a good face, a 
really intellectual face ’ ! ” remarked Belle, gib- 
ingly. Her good nature was now quite restored 
by the pleasure of finding some excuse for teasing 
Beatrice, who liked to tease them all. 

There, Motherkin ! is n’t that ‘ sweetly pretty ’ ? 
Can you not work him into a landscape of trees 
and cows and clouds and other country things ? ” 
demanded Bonny, ignoring her sister, and laying 
the really clever little sketch in her mother’s 
lap. 

How do you get on with your singing, dear ? ” 
asked that lady, smiling, and taking time from 
her work to pat the soft cheek of her merry 
daughter. 

Badly. There is a 'terrible discrepancy be- 
tween my chest notes and my head notes. When 
T try to stretch one up and the other down, some- 


16 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


thing appears to give way — cr-r-rick-crac-c-k- 
screech! Shall I illustrate, Mother dear?” 

No, no, I beg ! My nerves are in bad condi- 
tion to-day. But if you ’ll sing something with- 
out nonsense, I shall be glad to hear you. It 
would rest me, I think.” 

Beatrice’s gay face sobered instantly, and Isa- 
belle laid down her book. ^^Are you so tired, 
Motherkin ? ” 

Oh ! no, indeed ! Only it is a bit monotonous 
stitching, stitching all day with nobody to talk 
to. Never mind. Here comes Roland. I won- 
der why so early.” 

The inquiry was in her eyes as she raised them 
to meet her son’s when he entered, full three 
hours before his usual time of home-coming. But 
she saw instantly that he was not ill, and, that 
anxiety allayed, she smiled brightly u]3on him. 
^^Well, my boy! what good fortune has given 
you a holiday ? ” 

^Mll, not good fortune. Mother. I — -I have 
been discharged. I have lost my place.” 

Then, indeed, did a significant silence fall upon 
the family group. Lost his place 1 Could any- 
thing have been more unfortunate ! 

Why, ^ Laureate,’ have you been writing 
more soap poetry?” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


17 


No, Bonny ; but I had a row with the boss, 
and he talked to me so rudely that I made up my 
mind no gentleman would stand it. So I bolted. 
That ’s all. I was going to leave, anyway, after 
the holidays.” 

Oh, you were, eh ? Going into soap-poetry 
for a business ? If it pays as well as your first 
venture — ” 

Be still.” 

Yes, my dear. But I ’ll just make a note of 
your new words. You will have quite a vocabu- 
lary if you keep on. ^ Row,’ ^ boss,’ ' bolted,’ will 
rhyme admirably with cow,’ ^ toss,’ ^ moidted.’ I 
shall take to writing for soap-prizes myself soon. 
I ’ve always had a notion that my genius would 
develop in a direction not at present suspected by 
my family. Mother thinks I am an embryo 
prima-donna ; Belle knows I am a fine dress- 
maker ; Bob is sure I was born for no other pur- 
pose than to make boys’ kites, and Roland must 
acknowledge he never would have won the soap- 
poem prize if I had n’t furnished at least one miss- 
ing rhyme. But — ” 

Bonny, do keep still ! If I were as fond of 
talking as you, I’d — ” 

Talk ! Hark ! There goes the door-bell. I 
hope nobody has come to call, for — ” The chat- 
2 


18 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


terbox did not wait to express her inhospitable 
reasons, but darted down the narrow passage to 
answer the summons, and was back almost 
directly, bearing in her arms the basket of chry- 
santhemums which Mr. Brook’s messenger had 
just brought. 

Beatrice ! ” 

For mercy’s sake ! ” 

What in the world ! ” 

What ’s that ? ” 

Oh, oh, oh! ” cried the delighted girl, dancing 
about so that nobody could get more than a glance 
at her burden of lovely blossoms, until she finally 
dropped in a little heap at her mother’s feet and 
placed the basket on the drawing she had laid 
upon her mother’s knee. Such a handy table 
your lap makes, Motherkin 1 ” she often remarked ; 
but the truth was that everything must be shared 
with this sympathizing woman or it lost in value. 
Is n’t it lovely, lovely ? ” 

Lovely, indeed 1 But it cannot possibly be 
meant for you, dear. Where did it come from ? 
How did you get it?” 

Of course it is meant for me. It came from 
the store I visited in company with my old gen- 
tleman. And I took it out of a messenger boy’s 
hand. Oh 1 the beauties 1 the darlings ! Now, 


AMONG THE LINDENS 


19 


Miss Isabelle Beckwith, don’t you wish you had 
not been so impatient? Maybe his royal high- 
ness — he must be that, at least, or he could n’t 
afford such a gift — would have sent you one wee 
blossom all for yourself.” 

But I do not understand. I do not know 
that it is right for you to keep it, dear,” re- 
marked Mrs. Beckwith, between the rapid ex- 
clamations which fell from the lips of all three 
young people. 

Now, Motherkin ! Of course it ’s right ! It ’s 
the very prettiest compliment I ever had in all 
my life. Don’t go for to spoil it with your proper 
notions, that ’s a good Mother ! But — see here ! 
Here ’s a hillet-doux ! or I ’m a sinner ! ” 

If Mr. Philipse Chidly Brook could have wit- 
nessed the delight with which his offering was 
received, and could have heard the running com- 
ments bestowed upon it, he would have been 
repaid a thousand times. For when his courtly 
little note, with its old-fashioned writing, was 
read aloud, even the careful mother had no 
further reproof for her adventure-loving Beatrice, 
not all whose chivalrous escapades ended as com- 
fortably as this. 

Faie, Kind, and Most PiESPected Miss, — Allow 
me to present you with this slight token of my grati- 


20 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


tude ; which I hope to express more fully when I call, 
this evening, to make my regards to your Mother and 
her family. 

I have the honor to subscribe myself 

Your Obedient Servant, 

Philipse Chidly Brook. 

Of New Windsor, N. Y., November Twenty-third, Eighteen 
hundred and eighty-one. 

To Miss Beatrice Beckwith. 

My obedient servant ! My blessed old Prince 
of Givers ! That ’s what he should have signed. 
Seventy-five cents each, Motherkin mine ! All 
lavished on your troublesome girl ! ” 

Mrs. Beckwith did not immediately reply. She 
took the note from Bonny’s hand and gazed at it 
musingly, as if trying to clear some confusion 
of memory. I have heard that name before 
— somewhere — besides in history. Let me 
think !” 

I hope you will hear it again — ^ somewhere ’ ! 
Here comes my ‘ Humpty-Dumpty ’ ! I was wish- 
ing he could enjoy this.” 

Hello ! Bon ! What the dickens is that ? ” 
Hello ! Bob ! It ’s chrysanthemums, not 
dickens ! ” 

Whose is it ? ” 

Mine ! ” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


21 


Stuff ! That can’t be yours ! Where did you 
get it ? ” 

It can be mine, it shall be mine, it is mine. 
It is a reward of merit, the first instalment of 
many I hope to receive.” 

Tell a feller ! ” pleaded the eight-year-old boy, 
who was very like Beatrice, only that his hair was 
a little rougher, his dark eyes even brighter, his 
general appearance a trifie more dilapidated. 

I have told a ‘ feller,’ and if a ^ feller’ can’t 
believe I am not to blame.” 

Don’t bother ! Tell the hull concern ! ” 
Beatrice slipped her arm around the little chap 
as affectionately as if his costume were not plen- 
tifully bedaubed with street mud, and kissed his 
retrousse nose squarely on its tip ; after which 
she gave him a history of the afternoon’s incident, 
told as only Bonny would have told it. 

Jimminy-cracky ! He must be richer ’n 
thunder ! ” 

Robert ! Where do you learn such talk ? 
Why will you use such words ? ” 

Dunno, Mother. They seem to grow some- 
how. Say, Bon ! That basket is worth a heap 
of money ! ” 

My brother, you should not look a gift horse 
in the mouth ! ” 


22 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


You ’re doing it yourself, are n’t you ? I saw 
you" counting all the time you were talking. So 
was I. But some of ’em seemed to get away. I 
bet they is more ’n forty. S’pose they cost much 
as five cents apiece ? ” 

Five cents ! Seventy-five is the price of that 
particular shade everywhere. Think of it ! Do 
it, — a nice little sum for a nice little boy for a 
nice little girl who pulled a nice little man out 
of a nice little crowd on a nice little corner of a 
nice — ” 

Bonny, Bonny ! Don’t be silly ! But, in- 
deed, I don’t wonder ! The sight of so much 
beauty has raised my own spirits till I feel able 
to fight the world afresh — for you, my children ! 
But Bonny is right ; don’t, don’t ^ count the teeth ’ 
of this lovely ^ gift horse,’ dears. Put the basket 
on that white cloth I just finished embroidering, 
right in the centre of the table. Then let us 
gather about it and study it. We will all work 
the better for the lesson.” 

Motherkin ! you are the dearest, wisest 
body in the world. Here ’s your chair — right 
up front. And say ! let ’s every one tell what 
she or he sees in the fiowers. I suppose that 
present represents something different to each ; 
don’t you ? ” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


23 


“ I suppose with all your practical sense you 
are , still a fanciful child ! ” responded Mrs. Beck- 
with, smiling fondly upon the active Beatrice, 
who was, indeed, her mother’s right hand ” of 
dependence in their every-day life. 

Well, if I am, 1 think it is a case of heredity 
— like I was reading about in last night’s paper. 
When you were left to make faces at fortune, 
with four troublesome youngsters pulling at your 
skirts, you might have dropped your mouth- 
corners and put on a doleful expression — but 
you did not. You just rolled up your sleeves 
and put on your thimble and shut your eyes 
to the old dame’s frowns and went to work. I 
remember, Motherkin, once when ^ Humpty- 
Dumpty ’ was in the cradle, and I was rocking 
him to sleep, you sang so loud and so long that 
I told you I would n’t rock him any more if you 
did n’t keep still ; and you turned on me with 
such a look ! Your eyes were full of tears and 
your lips were trembling ; but yet you were 
smiling as brave as could be. ^ I dare not stop, 
darling!’ you said; ^if I did I should cry!’ I 
tell you, Motherkin, I never forgot that, and I 
never will ! But what do you see in the ^ posy,’ 
dear Mother ? ” 

see an old-fashioned garden, with an old- 


24 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


fashioned dame walking in it. An old-fashioned 
gentleman is bending before her, and presenting 
her with chrysanthemums — of just this shade. 
It is early winter — or late, late fall. There is 
hoar-frost on the dead leaves in the path, hoar- 
frost upon the hair of these two people, and a 
touch of winter’s cold has nipped their thin 
cheeks. Yet they smile and are lovingly courte- 
ous still. They know that the chrysanthemums 
Avill fade ; that the hoar-frost will change to ice 
on which they must slip downwards over the 
dead-leaf path — out of sight. But they will be 
brave and beautiful to the end ; and their memory 
will be like the strange and spicy fragrance of 
their chosen flowers.” 

Oh, how pretty. Mother ! Call the picture 
‘ Artemisias.’ That is the old-time name for 
‘ Mums.’ And I hope when it is done some rich, 
rich person who has leisure to study the mean- 
ing of beautiful things will buy your drapery 
and hang it on a wall alone, close to a cheery 
wood fire ; and that he will sit down before it 
many times and learn all that you have put 
into it.” 

Belle, next ! What says the basket to you. 
Miss Beauty ? ” 

I see a big, big ball-room. It is filled with 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


25 


handsome women and gentlemanly men. They 
are all, like Bonny’s ‘ rich one,’ at leisure and at 
rest. They say courteous things to one another, 
and they feel them. The women have never 
known what it means to wear patched shoes and 
soiled gloves. They have travelled everywhere. 
They know everything that happy mortals need 
to know. They have never heard that there was 
poverty in the world which they could not relieve, 
nor suffering they could not soothe. They have 
never had their tempers spoiled and their faces 
lined by want of any sort. I am there in the 
midst of them, as care-free, as beautiful, as soft- 
spoken as any of them. As happy, too. I wear 
a lovely gown of just that chrysanthemum shade, 
but no jewels. I have the blossoms in my hair, 
on my corsage, in my hands. I love them. I 
am wholly, wholly content. I have nothing left 
to wish for.” 

Happy mortal ! Come, ^ Laureate ’ ! But 
cut it short. Because, you know, my poet, you 
are inclined to be a little long-drawn-out some- 
times.” 

Hush ! impious spirit ! Fright not the muse 
away ! ” retorted Boland, in a very unpoetic tone. 

I am in Japan. There are lovely fountains, 
perfect gardens, beautiful maidens — and lots of 


26 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


time ! I don’t get up in the morning till I choose. 
I write soap or even stove-polish poems, unre- 
buked by my irreverent sister. I have plenty of 
money to buy my mother gowns covered wdtli 
embroidery which she does n’t have to do herself, 
and to fill the cupboard with food which she 
does n’t have to cook. There are wonderful kites 
which Bonny does not make, but which ^ Humpty- 
Dumpty ’ does fly, from the top of a funny little 
house as tall as a table, into a blue sky which 
rests on the top of his head — ” 

Enough ! Now, Bob ? ” 

^^Oh! I dunno. No school, fer one thing. 
No grammar talk when I get home. Plenty of 
fire-crackers an’ pistols an’ guns an’ turkey an’ 
everything I want ! Say, Bonny Beckwith ! Ain’t 
we never a going to have any supper ? ” 

At once, small sir. It is a matter of economy 
to feed you immediately you feel the need of 
being fed. The longer the delay the greater the 
cavity. Now, dreamers, all move back, please. 
Your humble servant has the floor, and must 
have the table, seeing that it is the only one the 
house of Beckwith possesses.” 

With a smile they all pushed back; but the 
gentle widow laid her hand caressingly upon 
Beatrice’s shoulder with the question : Had the 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 27 

chrysanthemums no visions for your eyes, sweet- 
heart ? ” 

Heaps of ’em, Mother kin ! But some other 
time.” 

No fair, no fair. Bon ! What do you want ? ” 
A home in the country ! ” 

WheAv ! I reckon I ’ll get my Japanese tour 
first ! ” said Roland, as he placed the basket of 
fiowers upon the top of the sewing-machine amid 
a pile of unmended stockings. Gracious ! How 
much depends upon surroundings ! That is n’t 
half as suggestive up there ! ” 

Hark ! What ’s that row in the street ? Hear 
that awful thumping ! ” cried Bob, seizing his 
hat and bounding down the stairs, two steps at a 
time. 

Bonny also hurried to the window, but turned 
from it in instant dismay. 

For the goodness’ sake ! It ’s my old gentle- 
man, and a policeman has him by the collar!” 
And before anybody could interpose she had fol- 
lowed her small brother. 


CHAPTER III. 


A CHRYSANTHEMUM DINNER. 

A SECOND time in one day was Bonny Beck- 
with destined to come to the rescue of the 
unfortunate Mr. Brook ; for she laid her hand 
appealingly upon the policeman’s sleeve and 
cried : Oh, sir ! What are you doing ? This 

gentleman is all right ! ” 

The bright-faced girl was no stranger to the 
officer, who probably knew all the residents of his 
beat,” and he asked, in surprise : Why, do 
you know him. Miss ? ” 

Certainly. He is a friend of ours.” 

Then you ’d better give him some lessons in 
conducting , himself on the street; that’s all.” 
With this the roundsman loosened his hold of his 
victim, and flourished his hand to disperse the 
crowd of urchins and sight-seers who had gath- 
ered on the spot. 

^^What did he do?” 

Thumped on the door of as if he were 

trying to break it in. Why did n’t he ring if he 
wanted to, instead of creating a disturbance?” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


29 


Were you looking for us, Mr. Brook ? 

Of course I was. And I should like to know 
how in the world you get into these houses. 
There is no bell, and the door-knob won’t turn, 
and I ’d stood here as long as I dared with the 
wind blowing forty miles an hour. I sent cabby 
oE to walk his horses up and down, and he ’s dis- 
appeared entirely. I left my man at the hotel, 
in bed with the rheumatism ; and — if there ’s 
any way of getting into this prison and if you 
really live here, I should like to be admitted.” 

Certainly. Beg pardon for keeping you so 
long. See — this is the way. Touch one of 
those little knobs, the one opposite the card with 
^ Beckwith ’ on it and the door will open almost 
immediately. Electric bells, you know.” 

Unluckily, I did n’t know ! I hate these new- 
fangled ^ conveniences ’ that are ten times as much 
trouble as old-fashioned things. I ’m not quite a 
fool, my dear, though I may have been presented 
to you in that light on both occasions of our meet- 
ing. I simply did not know how to get in ; but 
I concluded that if I made noise enough some- 
body would hear and answer,” said Mr. Brook, 
smiling merrily, now that the door had opened 
noiselessly, as if by spirit hands, and a hallway 
with orthodox stairs was revealed. 


30 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


^^And somebody did ! ” returned Bonny, quite 
as gayly ; while Robert, who had slipped up and 
thrown his arm about his sister’s waist, laughed 
outright. 

Humph ! Who are you, sir ? You were one 
of the boys who jeered the loudest, if I ’m not 
mistaken,” said the visitor, turning with a savage 
frown toward the lad. 

’m her brother.” 

Yes. My brother Robert. He is n’t as bad as 
he looks, Mr. Brook. Perhaps you would better 
wait a moment and get your breath. It is pretty 
high up — on the fifth floor.” 

Good gracious ! Is this one of those ^ flat ’ 
houses I hear about?” 

Yes.” 

Some of the finest old houses in the city stood 
here a quarter of a century ago. It is a shame, 
a perfect shame.” 

Yes, I suppose so. There are some beautiful 
residences still left in the neighborhood, and we 
often look at them and try to imagine the lives 
that used to be lived in them. But a fifth-story 
flat is all we can a&rd, so you must prepare 
yourself for a plain little place.” 

They had Ascended as far as the fourth floor, 
and Mr. Brook had paused on each landing to 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


31 


regain liis wind ; but Bob, at a nod from Beatrice, 
had sped upwards to announce the coming of the 
guest. 

Ah ! plainness does not disturb me, my dear ; 
and you are a little gentlewoman, no matter 
where you live. I hope I have not chosen an 
inopportune hour for my call.” 

You have given us all a great, great pleasure 
by your beautiful gift which came this afternoon ; 
and we are glad to have you come and receive our 
thanks, whenever it suits you best.” Bonny did 
not add, as she might, that if he had deferred the 
call for one hour longer their simple dinner might 
have been gotten out of the way, and the home 
made ready for his reception. 

The first thing that greeted the old gentle- 
man’s eyes as he entered the room, which was 
dining-room and parlor in one for the Beckwiths, 
was his own basket of chrysanthemums replaced 
upon the snowy cloth in the centre of the table, 
with the soft glow of a shaded lamp falling upon 
it. If Mrs. Beckwith had arranged this with a 
view to blinding stranger eyes to the bareness of 
the room otherwise, her ruse succeeded, for Mr. 
Brook gazed upon the fiowers and for a space saw 
nothing more. 

My mother, Mr. Brook,” said Bonny, bring- 


32 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


ing forward the one really strong chair which the 
room afforded. 

Your humble servant, madam. I consider 
myself honored in making your acquaintance. 
You are the mother of a most charming daughter. 
Daughters, I should say ; ” for at that instant 
Isabelle moved gracefully forward, with a friend- 
liness meant to drive any awkward memories 
from the guest’s mind, and extended her slim 
hand in greeting. 

At which Humpty-Dumpty,” from a point 
behind Mr. Brook’s back, contorted his freckled 
face and rolled his black eyes so horribly that 
Bonny was forced to smile. 

We have much to thank you for, and must 
consider that a fortunate accident which resulted 
in our receiving so delightful a gift,” answered 
the hostess, placing herself near her visitor, 
unless your fall of this afternoon resulted 
in some injury to yourself. I hope it did 
not.” 

No, oh ! no. That is, nothing to mention. 
A few bruises and scratches, and a bit of stiff- 
ness. But I thank you. I should not have been 
alone, only Dolloway, my man, has the rheuma- 
tism and I could n’t think of taking him out in 
the cold. He stayed at the hotel. If he had been 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


33 


with me he would have prevented my making an 
exhibition of myself. However, ‘ all ’s well that 
ends well ; ’ and I have been congratulating my- 
self ever since that I may have been thus led to 
trace an old friend. Did you ever hear of one 
Conrad Honeychurch Beckwith 

A responsive smile illumined the widow’s pale 
face, and the last misgiving she had about thus 
receiving a stranger into her home vanished. 

There could be but one Conrad Honeychurch 
Beckwith, I think. Such was the name of my 
husband’s father.’^ 

I thought so ! I thought so ! Your husband 
is — was — ” 

Charles Honeychurch Beckwith. The only 
son of Conrad who grew to manhood.’^ 

Madam, your hand again! We are old, old 
friends ! Or we should be. Conrad was the 
chum of my youth, the Damon to my Pythias. 
We even went ^ Forty-Nining ’ together ; but he 
soon left California and returned to his dying 
wife in New York. I stayed — awhile. He wrote 
me a few times, then ceased to even answer my 
letters, which after a while I ceased to write. 
From that day to this I have never heard of him. 
I have hunted Beckwiths without number, till 
people have thought me Beckwith mad ; but my 


34 »;- • ^ AMONG THE LINDENS. 

Conrad was never among them, and I had given 
him up. How strange, how strange, and also 
how fortunate, that I stood gaping at the sights 
till I was knocked down and Conrad’s grandchild 
was sent to pick me up ! Come here, my dear ! 
Come here an’d let me look at you !v’ ^ ^ 

Mr. Brook’s excitemei^t communicat^li itself ^ 
to all the household, always alert to anything 
which varied the monotony of their pinched lives. 
Roland came forward and gazed wonderingly 
upon the man who, fast slipping out of life, jet 
remembered so faithfully the friend of his youth. 
Belle felt the elation of a real romance ; Bonny 
was dancing with delight ; and Robert, the ter- 
rible,” was eagerly speculating whether this was 
the sort of an old gentleman one read of in story- 
books, duly appreciative of small attentions and 
liberal as to tips. 

But the mother understood best the desire of 
the old man’s heart to learn all there was to tell, 
and set herself to gratify it. My dears, suppose 
you go on with the dinner-getting. I am sure 
Mr. Brook will pardon our necessity, and I hope 
will share our meal. You see, we are rather 
cramped for room ; so, while table is being made 
ready, those of us not engaged in the task 
generally retreat to this corner and call it the 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


35 


^ withdrawing room.’ But maybe you know the 
inconveniences of a small city flat?’^ 

No, indeed. Thank the Lord, I live in the 
country. Even in my best days I would get out 
of town nearly every night to sleep at ' home ; 
though I was a beau here, when I first came back 
from the coast with my pockets full of nuggets. 
I used purposely to have my name in the papers 
as often as might be, hoping that thus, if I could 
not find Conrad, he would find me. But it was 
of no use. Five-and-twenty years ago I left the 
town for good. I never meant to come back. 
But of late a terrible uneasiness has possessed me, 
and I finally yielded to it. I understand what it 
meant now.” 

They had moved to the corner which Mrs. 
Beckwith had designated, and though the guest 
appeared to notice nothing of what the young 
folks were doing, he was, nevertheless, very 
watchful; and while his hostess related all the 
simple history of two discouraged men, her hus- 
band and his father, yielding to a fate which 
seemed too hard for them and dying, each in his 
prime, — ay, even before what most would call 
the prime, — the wise old visitor read between 
her periods the tale of her own bravery, and won- 
dered how^ best he could second her efforts. 


36 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


^^And that is all. I am sorry we have not 
better entertainment to offer, but such as we 
have I see is ready.” 

The widow rose as she spoke, and it was not 
many paces Mr. Brook need follow her before he 
reached the table. 

With a commendable view to eking out a short 
supply. Bonny had placed the basket of flowers 
again upon the board, though she had had to 
substitute a coarse tablecloth for the daintily 
embroidered fabric which was intended for a 
richer household ; and, at the first glance, the 
guest almost believed that the posies were to be 
their only repast. 

However, this was not the case. There were 
roasted potatoes, bread, butter, and a fragrant 
cup of tea ; the last a luxury, and the one addition 
which had been made to the regular fare. Now 
tea was an abomination to the palate of Philipse 
Chidly Brook, and potatoes he never ate, when 
he could help himself ; but this being an occasion 
when he evidently could not, he put a brave face 
on the matter, and accepted them as if they were 
the rarest of delicacies. Suddenly he looked up 
from his plate, and beheld the dark eyes of Robert 
fixed upon him with critical attention. 

^‘Well, my lad! Out .with it! A penny for 
your thoughts.” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


37 


For once the graceless boy was scared. The 
prospect of possible tips depended upon his pres- 
ent behavior, and he choked back the remark that 
had almost escaped his lips. I — I have n’t 
any. I — I mean — I dassent tell ’em.” 

Not for the penny ? ” 

No, sir, not fer a nickel.” 

“You need n’t. I can guess them. In any 
case I never go above the traditional price of 
thoughts.” 

“ I bet — you can’t guess ’em ! ” 

“ How much will you bet ? ” 

“ Robert ! ” remonstrated Mrs. Beckwith, while 
Belle began “ talking eyes ” at her most rapid 
rate, certain that the boy was about to disgrace 
them all. 

“ I ’ll bet all I ’ve got. Two cents ag’in two of 
yourn, if you say so.” 

“ Mr. Brook, our little brother attends the 
primary department of a highly esteemed parish 
school. Hence the elegant language which you 
must have observed,” remarked Bonny, hoping to 
divert attention from the subject of “ thoughts ” 
to education. 

“ He is well enough. For a boy. He looks 
like you.” 

“ Motherkin says I behave like her, too,” as- 


38 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


serted Bob, triumphantly ; and Beatrice felt her 
effort worse than wasted. 

H’m-m. You were wondering how old I am. 
Was n’t it so ? *’ 

Ginger ! How did you know ? ” 

I was a boy once.” 

What did you use to do ? Did you play 
marbles ? Er fight ? ” 

I played marbles and I flew kites. When I 
could get any money to buy them with, or coax 
my mother to make them. And I used to drive 
the cows when I visited my uncle, on his farm, 
not far from here. It may be that I have trotted 
barefooted over the very spot on which this house 
now stands. Seventy years ago, that was ; seventy 
years ago ! Then I was a child like you.” 

My gracious ! An’ you ’re alive yet ! ” 

Not only that — I am happy yet ! Doubly 
happy now that I have found somebody who may 
become like a little grandson to me ; for I have 
none of my own.” 

Why have n’t you ? ” 

Probably because I never had a wife. I would 
like to ^ adopt ’ my Conrad’s grandson, in a way, 
if he will let me.” 

Who ’s him ? ” 

Yourself.” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


39 


Pooh ! You would n’t want me, I guess. 
An’ I know ’bout ’doptingness. They was a 
woman in this house, she ’dopted a baby, an’ it 
squalled. Nen she got tired of it. Nen she 
wanted to give it back an’ the folks wouldn’t 
take it. Nen she put it in the Norphan ’Sylum. 
An’ it ’s there yet. I ’m too big, anyway. I ’m 
going on nine. Ain’t I, Mother ? When will I 
be as old as nine ?” 

Next Fourth of July, dear. You certainly 
are too old for adoption, as you mean it. But if 
Mr. Brook has n’t any odd, small people to make 
him both glad and sorry, all in a minute, you 
might supply the deficiency.” 

H’m-m. I guess I ’d better not. I ain’t very 
good. I don’t have time to be.” 

Indeed ? What keeps you busy ? ” asked the 
amused old gentleman. 

Folks. An’ fun. Bonny ’most wears me 
out, some days. She sends me to do things. I 
sell papers ; an’ I hold horses, when I can get ’em 
to hold. Some men say I ain’t big ’nough, an’ I 
think that ’s mean. I ’m as big as I can be, 
ain’t I?” 

Quite ! ” answered the unwise Beatrice, who 
did her daily best to spoil the child by alternate 
teasings and pettings. 


40 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Nen I get mad. Nen Motherkin’s heart acts 
up. An^ they is a gen’ral miscomfort in the 
house, so I go outdoors. I learn bad words out- 
doors, an’ I come home an’ say ’em, an’ get 
’proved. But we get along. Hello, Motherkin ! 
What’s the matter? Ginger! There she goes 
ag’in ! It ’s one of her sick times, I s’pose ! Oh ! 
Mother 1 You ’re dead — you ’re dead 1 ” 

Unobserved by all but her small son, Mrs. Beck- 
with had fallen gently forward till her colorless 
face rested upon the basket of chrysanthemums, 
and the guest thought the boy had spoken the 
sorrowful truth. 


CHAPTER IV. 


A GENEROUS CONSPIRACY. 

"T^ON’T, Robert! Remember, it is best to 

I J be quiet 1 ” said Isabelle, with an admir- 
able self-control which not only gave Mr. Brook a 
new idea of her character, but the knowledge that 
this could not be the first time such a trouble had 
befallen the household. 

And, a moment later, Beatrice had taken time 
to whisper in the little fellow’s ear: ^Ht is no 
worse than usual, darling. Mother is reviving.” 

Then the child heard a trembling question, 
eager and low : Has she ever been like this be- 
fore ? Is it my visit that has caused it ? ” and 
looking up through his fingers he saw the dis- 
turbed face of their guest bent close above him. 

Yes. No. ’T ain’t your visit. She ’s this 
way often. But she always looks like dead, an’ 
the doctor-man says she will die if she don’t stop 
sewin’ an’ live outdoors. But she can’t let the 
sewin’ go, ’cause we have to eat an’ wear clothes. 
We don’t eat any more ’n we can help, but we ’re 


42 


AMONG THE LINDENS, 


always hungry. We try not to be, but we are. 
So she has to ’broider the things an’ sell ’em, 
you see.” 

The two were quite alone then in the little 
parlor, for Roland had, at the first instant, lifted 
his mother in his arms and carried her into the 
small bedroom which was her own, and had 
stationed himself beside her to chafe her face 
and hands and administer the medicine which 
Isabelle had promptly prepared. They were 
evidently accustomed to such emergencies; but 
Bonny had disappeared in pursuit of a doctor, 
though she knew this action to be against her 
mother’s wish, expressed in view of such an event 
as this. 

But how can I help it 1 ” argued the girl, dash- 
ing down the long flights of stairs two steps at a 
time. How can I see her suffer so and not try 
to get somebody who knows more than we do to 
relieve her ! Even though it will take her many 
hours of hard labor to pay for the physician’s- 
visit.” 

Meanwhile Robert led Mr. Brook into the corner, 
dignified by the name of withdrawing room,” and 
the old gentleman laid his hand affectionately 
upon the boy’s shoulder. ^^My dear, I would 
like to help you all, if I can. I do not wish to 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


43 


ask you anything which your mother would not 
be willing you should answer ; but anything that 
you can tell me about your affairs, anything which 
your conscience does not warn you had best be 
kept to yourself, T wish you would tell me. Re- 
member I was the friend of your grandfather, and 
try to feel as if you were talking to him.” 

This speech was better suited to the ears of the 
elder son than to those of “ Humpty-Dumpty,” and 
in the first case would have been answered judi- 
ciously ; but judgment and reticence were quali- 
ties unknown to this small boy, and he now made 
as clean a breast of family matters as he was 
capable of doing. If there was anything he did 
not tell, it was something he had forgotten. 

Mr. Brook listened with sympathy and some 
compunction ; and as soon as the physician whom 
Beatrice had summoned pronounced Mrs. Beck- 
with out of danger for the present,” took his 
leave, hunted up the long-sufiering cab-driver who 
had brought him thither, and returned to his 
hotel. 

There he burst rather excitedly into his own 
apartments, with the exclamation ^^I’ve found 
them, Dolloway! The Beckwiths, at last!” 

You don’t say so 1 ” returned the other old 
fellow^, who had left his bed for a cushioned chair 


44 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


close to a grate fire, and who had the name of 
being Mr. Brook’s servant, but was, at times, his 
master — through rheumatism, which mastered 
both. 

But I have. That must be what my anxiety 
to see the horse show meant. Else why, after all 
these years, should I have been suddenly rendered 
too uneasy to abide at home, and must needs 
not only put myself out but you as well ? How 
goes it, Dolloway ? ” 

Bad, sir ; about as bad as it can be. But a 
body must expect that who goes a trapesing oft 
after will-o’-wisps, at our time of life, leaving 
good, respectable feather beds to sleep on boards 
in a barn of a place like this.” 

Not boards, Dolloway. The best mattresses 
the city affords, the manager assures me ; and 
comfortable enough to those who like them. 
Yes, yes, yes. In some ways it is a pity. Yet 
— it is the most fortunate thing. Had any 
supper, Dolloway ? ” 

Don’t want any, sir. Thank you.” 

Pooh ! I do. They had what they called 
supper, I suppose, poor things ! And I ’m 
ashamed to mention it; only I feel hungrier 
than if I had n’t eaten anything ; so, since you 
have not, take a cup of coffee with me, man, and 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


45 


lay aside formality for once. What will we have 
besides the coffee, Dolloway ? ” 

I could n’t eat a bite, sir.” 

But you ’d not refuse to please your old 
master, would you, lad ? When we have taken 
all this trouble we want to make our holiday 
seem a bit like old times. Eh? In the old 
days, Dolloway, you could out-eat and out-drink 
me. Yes, yes, you could, indeed ! What shall 
it be ? ” 

Well, if I must I must, and I^m obliged to 
you, sir, though I only do it to please you. I 
heard one of the waiters saying there was a lot of 
nice venison come in from the West, sir. If it 
were not spoiled in the cooking a venison steak 
— done to a turn, sir, done to a turn, as you like 
it yourself, Mr. Brook — might relish a little. 
Eh?” 

The very thing, lad, the very thing \ I will 
ring and order it immediately.” Without wait- 
ing to be served by his servant, who remained 
composedly in his arm-chair, Mr. Brook pulled 
the rope, which he preferred to any modern 
button ” for bell-ringing purposes, and gave an 
order for a meal that would have made the Beck- 
with family’s eyes open in astonishment. 

A fine thing to have such an appetite as ours. 


46 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Dolloway, at our age ! A very fine thing, indeed. 
Eighty I shall be on my next birthday, and you 
but two years younger. And I warrant me there 
are no two other old chaps in this town who will 
sit down to this kind of a dinner with the relish 
we will. Eh ? That ’s the best of using gifts 
and not abusing them. And my waist measures 
no more than it did in my youth, lad ; which 
shows I have not been a gourmand, though the 
truth is I like good living. I like good living 
immensely. I would like to tell you what a 
pretty family of five had prepared. Potatoes ! 
nothing but potatoes, except, of course, the in- 
evitable bread and butter and the detestable tea. 
I don’t wonder the woman had heart-failure, poor 
thing ! And the air of that ‘ flat ’ — it was 
enough to stifle a body. After our air at home, 
man.” 

Humph ! Then I suppose I am not to know 
anything about Mr. Conrad’s folks, save what you 
choose to tell me in driblets, sir,” remarked 
Holloway, in the injured tone of one suffering 
ungratified curiosity. 

^^You shall know all that I do myself, old 
fellow ; but let us take it over our dinner. I 
want your advice, too. I am sorry to say that 
Conrad left his people poorly off.” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


47 


Mr. Beckwith is dead, then, sir?” 

Dead this forty years, lad. Dead for forty 
years — that boy ! ” And Mr. Brook sank into 
a chair opposite his companion, and at the same 
time into a reverie so deep that even the highly 
privileged Dolloway dared not interrupt the cur- 
rent of his master’s thought. 

Small Robert was in bed and should have been 
asleep ; hut Beatrice, listening, heard a forlorn 
little yawn and knew that the excitement of the 
evening or the tea-and-chrysanthemum dinner had 
been too much for his nerves. This suited her 
exactly ; and watching her chance she stole into 
the room, or bed closet, known as the boys’,” 
and perched herself on the pillow where Roland’s 
head would repose somewhat later. 

Hello, Bob ! Asleep ? ” 

You know I ain’t. What ’s up ? ” 

I am. I ’ve something to say to you.” 

I hain’t done nothin’. What have I done ? ” 
Nothing but goodness, small sir. Bonny 
does n’t scold, does she ? ” 

Sometimes,” answered the truthful child. 
Well, she is n’t going to now. She wants your 
assistance.” 

I ’m goin’ ter sleep.” 

Pooh ! I don’t want you to do anything to- 


48 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


night. I want to consult with you. Bob, are 
you awake ? ” 

If it ain’t nothin’ ter bother a feller at night, 
I be.” 

Sit up in bed. Here, put my jacket around 
you. I ’ve a scheme — a splendid scheme ! ” 

Don’t like your schemes. Last one did n’t 
turn out worth a snap.” 

This one will. I see how you and I can 
make some money. Sit up.” 

I am sitting up. How can we make it ? ” 
asked the cash-greedy child, interested at last. 

You know those chrysanthemums ?” 

Yep.” 

^^Well; here, let me whisper. We — can — 
sell — them ! And make a lot of dollars — 
maybe. Make something, anyway. Enough to 
pay for the doctor’s visit.” 

Beatrice Beckwith ! They was give to you ! ” 

Don’t speak so loud. Mother is asleep, 
Roland is writing. Belle studying. Only you 
and I are to know about this. Yes, I know they 
were given to me. To me^ understand. That is 
why I dare do this thing. And don’t reproach 
me for parting with them. It breaks my heart 
to do it; only it don’t break it into such little 
bits as it gets broken into every time I think of 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


49 


Mother kin and how hard she works. To come 
to the point. I want you to get up with me early 
to-morrow and go on the street and try to sell the 
flowers. AYill you ? ” 

Gracious ! Would you — you yourself ? ” 

I would — I myself. I would do anything 
rather than be so idle. The flowers are mine. 
We have all enjoyed them. They did us good 
that way ; now I want to make them do us good 
some other wayY 

Humph ! How much will you give me fer my 
share ?” 

Mercenary little wretch ! not a cent ! I want 
every single cent for Motherkin. You would n’t 
take anything away from Motherkin, would you, 
Bob ? ” 

Not that way. I would n’t no quicker ’n you 
would. But if I had a little ^ capital ’ I could 
sell papers like the other kids do on Fourteenth 
Street an’ round.” 

Kobert, you are not a ‘ kid.’ You are a well- 
born boy. I thought you did sell papers, anyway, 
almost every day.” 

‘‘ Fer the other fellers, that ’s all. I don’t 
make my livin’. If I had enough I could make 
a pile.” 

Well, we ’ll see. But those chrysanthemums. 

4 


50 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Think of the value. Forty times seventy-five 
cents ! Forty times porterhouse steaks all round 
the family. About one hundred and twenty tip- 
top oyster stews. Potatoes, galore. Bread — 
bread enough to pave the street from here to 
Union Square. And six weeks’ rent. Think of 
it, ^ Humpty-Dumpty,’ and cease to wonder that 
I can hardly wait till daylight to set about the 
business. Will you help me ? ” 

Yep, if Mother ’ll let me.” 

You blessed little stupid ! Mother is not to 
know a word about it, till it is past forbidding. 
Else she has such ]Deculiar ideas about politeness 
that she might stop us. If you do as I want, as 
well as you can, I ’ll give you all you can make 
out of the best flower in the lot.” 

^Mt ’s a bargain. What time ’ill I start ? ” 

Not till after breakfast. Not till you go to 
school. Then, instead of going to school, go with 
me up on Twenty-third Street, and there we ’ll 
seek our fortune. Stay ! I ’ve a splendid thought 
now! We’ll go to the very store where they 
were bought and sell them back. They, the store 
folks at least, would know the value. Then we 
wouldn’t either of us have to stay away from 
school, and we could meet somewhere on the way 
home and come in together, with flying colors. 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


51 


So, if Mother was n’t especially pleased at first, we 
could brace each other up in coaxing her round to 
look at the matter as we do and eating one of 
her chrysanthemums turned into oysters for her 
dinner that very day.” 

H’m-m. But — Wull.” 

Wull me no wulls, my son ! ” 

Mother kin don’t coax worth a snap. An’ 
what if she should be ^ grieved ’ ? I would n’t 
mind her talking, so much ; but when she sits 
round an’ don’t say anything, only look solemn, 
it — it — breaks me all up.” 

That is n’t a nice expression for a nice little 
boy. Say ^ it disturbs me ; that is more 
elegant.” 

‘‘ Who cares for el’gunce ! I hate them times 
when lumps come in throats. I ’ve had ’em. 
I ’d ruther be whipped, like other kids is ; I 
vrould, so ! ” 

Look here, Robert Beckwith. I can do this 
thing all by myself. I don’t need to ask you or 
anybody to help me, but I thought you ’d like to 
do something nice for Motherkin. If you don’t 
like to it’s all right;” and Bonny rose to go, 
with that independent air which experience had 
taught her would invariably bring her small 
brother to terms. 


52 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Hello ! Who a not wantin’ ter ? But — 
if — ” 

If trouble comes I ’ll- take all the blame, as 
I should, for it belongs to me. And I ’m glad 
Mother is in bed now, so I can take the basket 
out of the room without anybody asking questions. 
Good-night. Not a word, now, to Roland when 
he comes in ! ” 

H’ni-m. You might know I ain’t a blabber, 
anyway ! ” 

Of course you ’re not. I depend on you. 
Good-night.” 

Beatrice passed into the parlor and lifted her 
treasure from the table, then turned to leave as 
quietly as she had entered. 

Where are you going with those, Bonny ? ” 
asked Isabelle, drowsily ; and her sister started as 
if she had been guilty of wrong-doing. 

I think they will keep better if I take them 
out of the basket and put them in a pail of 
water,” replied Bonny, hastily. 

I suppose they would. But it seems a pity 
to disturb such a perfect arrangement, and I do 
not think they would wither even that way very 
soon. They last well.” 

I am glad of that. I would not have them 
wither for anything ! ” replied the innocent con- 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


53 


spirator, feeling as if she wanted to bury her face 
in the flowers and cry; only she reflected that 
salt water was supposed -to be injurious to delicate 
petals and refrained. But when she went to bed 
that night she had taken each chrysanthemum 
carefully from its mossy nest and, after clipping 
its stem slightly, plunged it into a pail of fresh 
water and placed it in the coolest place the house 
afforded. 


CHAPTER y. 


IN OLD TEINITY. 

LOWERS? Flowers? Chrysantliemiims ? 
r Any, madam ? ” 

How much ? ” 

Seventy-five cents apiece.’' 

Girl, you must be crazy ! I ’ll give you ten.” 
Beatrice turned on her heel with all her native 
dignity and some that she had prepared for this 
especial occasion; having confided her intention 
to the newspaper-woman on the corner, who 
also occasionally sold flowers, and received the 
advice to not be beat down by nobody. Some 
is ladies an’ some is trash, what goes a shopping 
on th’ Aveny, an’ you jest hold on patient, — the 
right one ’ll come along an’ take the hull lot, 
mebbe. Some woman ’at ’s goin’ ter give a party 
er sunthin’ is the most like ter buy ; er young 
gells. Young gells is good customers, if they 
happen ter have any money. Good luckt go with 
you, honey ; an’ I don’t want ter see you bringin’ 
^^home a single posy ! ” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


55 


With this good-speed sounding pleasantly in 
her unaccustomed ears, the novice at flower sell- 
ing set her face westward with her basket on her 
arm and her small brother presumably following 
her ; though, as he was sometimes in sight but 
oftener not, she had doubts on the subject. 

Anyway I only wanted him for company. 
It seems so — so sort of dreadful to do this. I 
tremble every time I open my mouth, and I am 
afraid I shall not sell a single blossom, except at 
the flower-shop. I hate to go there, though ! It 
seems so mean to sell things that have been given 
you, and when you can have no chance to explain, 
though, of course, I would n’t explain anyway. 
Robert ! ” 

Hi ! Here am I ! ” 

Why can’t you walk along beside me respect- 
ably ? Eh?” 

Wull, wull — why, Bon ! what makes you 
look that way ? ” 

What way ? ” 

/I Just as if you was a goin’ ter cry.” 

I don’t. I ’m not. I — I hate it ! ” 

What makes you, then ? ” 

I l|ate other things worse, like Mother’s pale 
face over her work. I don’t mean I hate, but — 
Oh ! I thought it would be easy, last night when 


56 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


we talked it over, and it is n’t. I expect every 
minute to meet some of the ^ Conservatory girls/ 
then I should about die of mortification.” 

AYell, I ’m beat ! If girls ain’t the queerest 
things ! A wantin’ ter do things an’ not a 
wantin’ ter at the same time. Here, give me 
a bunch. I ’ll show you. This is the way ! 
Flowers ! Flowers ! Here they go ! Nicest an’ 
puttiest chrysms in the city ! Cheap at seventy- 
five cents ! Only one place in town where a feller 
can get ’em ! Here, young feller ! Don’t you want 
a button-holer ? ” 

Too dear ! ” replied the good-natured clerk 
whom Robert had intercepted on his way down 
town. 

H’m-m. You don’t seem to succeed any 
better than I do. Bob. Chrysanthemums ! The 
rarest shade in the city 1 ” 

The two amateur flower-sellers had soon trav- 
ersed all the distance between their home and the 
very corner where their stock had been purchased, 
and yet not one blossom had been exchanged for 
the desired cash that was to buy, the oyster dinner. 
When they came to the place where Bonny had 
met Mr. Brook she paused, undecided whether to 
cross into the next block or to take her stand 
there ; but was finally decided to do the latter by 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


57 


the fact that a well-dressed woman had paused to 
examine the cluster of flowers and to admire 
them. She would even have bought one appar- 
ently, but as she opened her purse, Bonny gently 
mentioned the price, and the purse was closed 
with a snap. 

Sev-en-ty-five-cents ! I think you must be 
new to the business, or you would never ask such 
an absurd amount as that ! H’m-m. Seventy-flve 
cents for one chrysanthemum ! ” And the woman 
with the plethoric pocket-book had passed on. 

I ’m going into the store. I can’t bear this ! ” 
cried poor Beatrice, feeling utterly discouraged as 
her bright castle in the air fell tumbling in ruins. 

They will take them, anyway, I ’m sure. The 
clerk said yesterday to a customer that he could 
not supply the demand for blossoms of this shade. 
Come on. Bob ! The worst he can do is stare a 
little, and it ’s none of his business, certainly.” 
Thus swallowing her pride, which she felt was 
silly enough, Beatrice led the way into the shop 
which she had visited in Mr. Brook’s company 
the day before. 

Robert followed, whistling gayly. Anything 
which kept him from school was matter of re- 
joicing to him, and though he realized that they 
were having very hard luck he felt no more shame 


58 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


in selling posies than newspapers ; but his hilarity 
was suddenly checked by the dandified salesman 
calling out sharply : Out of here, boy ! We 

can’t have any boys in here ! ” 

I should like ter know why not ? What yer 
givin’ us ? ” demanded Bonny’s darling,” with 
all the roughness and assurance of a regular 
street gamin. 

Hush, dear ! Here, let me take yours, too. 
You just step outside and wait for me till I come. 
I won’t be a minute now,” whispered the sister, 
persuasively. 

But Humpty-Dumpty’s ” blood was up. What 
were stores for if not for people to enter ? How 
did that unmannerly clerk know but that he, 
Robert, wanted to buy out all the stock piled 
upon those loaded counters ? He ’d show him ! 
One man was as good as another, in this world. 

No, I won’t wait, neither. I ’m a goin’ where 
you go, an’ I ’m goin’ ter stay as long as I like. 
Say, boss ! How much fer them roses, yonder ? ” 
Clear out of here, you impudent little scalli- 
wag ! You wish to buy no roses.” 

No. But I wish to sell some chrysan- 
themums, sir,” interposed Beatrice, gently. 

These flowers were purchased here yesterday. 
I should like to resell them to you.” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


59 


The dapper young man who had glanced ad- 
miringly at the pretty girl on the occasion of her 
previous visit, under Mr. Brook’s escort, now 
stared at her superciliously. Bought here ? 
All ! Well, we never take second-hand goods, 
you know. And flowers are an article that 
could not be handled a second time, even if we 
did. Is that all ? ” 

But, sir, you told a lady, yesterday, that you 
could not supply the demand for this color. I 
have kept these very carefully. See ? They are 
not withered in the least.” 

Impossible, Miss. If that boy belongs to you, 
you had better take him outside before he gets 
into any further mischief. He has knocked down 
a pile of baskets already, and if he damages — ” 
Poor Bonny did not wait to hear the conclusion 
of the matter. With a desperate fear at her heart 
that her small and independent brother would be 
the cause of some dreadful trouble, she seized him 
firmly by the collar and forced him before her out 
of the shop. 

The door closed behind them with the dull 
thud which baize-muflled doors give, and it seemed 
to her sounded the knell of her flowery hopes,” 
as she herself grimly expressed it. 

Well, I say. Bon! I did think you had some 


60 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


snap ! What ’d a feller do if he had n’t no more 
grit ’n a girl, I ’d like to know ? Here, come 
on, I ’ll show you. Let ’s go over to the hotel 
there. That ’s the Fifth Avenue, where rich folks 
stays. I ’ve sold papers for Jeemsy there, some- 
times. They ’s a decent crowd goes in an’ out. 
Mebbe they ain’t all so horrid stingy as they ’pear 
ter be on this side. But, Bon! We’ll have ter 
come down on the price. They ain’t nobody, ’less 
he ’s jest another such old man as Mr. Brook, 
goin’ ter pay such a pile as that fer posies — 
second-hand ones, too.” 

^‘ Robert, where did you get all this wisdom, 
and you but eight ? ” 

Oh 1 I’ve been around,” said Kobert, with an 
inimitable little swagger, which brought a fleet- 
ing smile to Beatrice’s face. 

All right. Let ’s try the hotel, that is, if 
the people will let us. I think I have heard that 
the curbstone merchants — as we are now, dear 
— have each a self-appropriated place with which. 
he allows nobody else to interfere. We may get 
upon somebody’s ^ stand,’ but if we do, from our 
morning’s experience, I don’t fear but we shall be 
so informed.” 

They did take their places opposite the entrance 
to the hotel, and so respectable and quiet-looking 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


61 


were they that nobody molested them • and as they 
were the only flower-sellers upon that corner they 
did after a while exchange some of their wares 
for cash ; but it was, as Eobert had advised, at a 
great reduction, and Beatrice was heartily dis- 
couraged. Worse than that, a feeling of regret 
that she had undertaken this thing without her 
mother s knowledge and consent began to trouble 
her as it had not done while the first enthusiasm 
of unselfishness lasted. 

I wish — I wish I had not slipped out of the 
house, as if I were doing something wrong ! ” 
murmured the girl, half aloud. 

Hey ? ” asked Eobert. Ain’t it getting 
cold ? Ginger ! My toes is ’most froze. This 
ain’t half the fun newspapers is. A feller can 
keep warm that way. He can jump on street 
cars, and off when the conductor catches him. 
Let ’s go home ! ” 

You go, dear, if you are cold. I am not. 
That is I — I — No, I will not give up beaten 
this Avay. I will sell these flowers if — ” 

You can ! ” interjected Eobert, just in time 
to prevent Bonny’s making a very rash voav. 

She substituted a rather forced laugh for the 
voAV, and again urged her brother to go and leave 
her. There is no need for us both to be miser- 


62 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


able. Besides, if you should take cold I should 
never forgive myself. Do go ; there ’s a dear, 
and I am ever and ever so grateful to you for 
what you have already done.’^ 

^^No, sir-ee. I guess I ’ve got grit if you haven’t. 
But if you don’t mind I ’ll just run around the 
block ter start my toes up, an’ I ’ll be back so ’s 
you can run, too.” 

Off bounded the child, and, small as he was, 
Beatrice felt no fear that he would be lost even 
in a neighborhood of whic^ he knew so little; 
but as she watched him out of sight, a voice 
spoke in her ear. 

‘^What lovely, lovely chrysanthemums! Are 
they for sale, miss ? ” 

H’m-m. She does n’t think I look like a reg- 
ular flower-girl,” thought Bonny, complacently, 
and answered promptly : Yes, madam. They 
are, as you have noticed, a very peculiar shade.” 
Then she raised her eyes, and met — those of the 
richest girl in her class at the Conservatory, the 
very one who was to sing with her at the next 
reception. 

Goodness 1 Miss Beckwith ! Beg pardon ! I 
did not notice. I thought it was a flower-girl 
standing here.” 

Beatrice gasped, tried to smile, felt her face 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


63 


flame, and her courage — or temper, she didn’t 
know which — rise at the same time. There is 
no mistake. Miss Agnew. I am, temporarily, a 
flower-girl. These chrysanthemums are for sale. 
But I have had rather bad luck. They prove to 
be a more expensive sort than most passers-hy 
care for.” 

Miss Agnew’s own color rose a little. She was 
a gentle, high-bred girl, and she saw at once that 
there was something out of the common in her 
classmate’s action. If the flowers had cost all 
there was in her purse, she would have taken 
some of them then. “ Indeed ? I have never 
seen any like them, except at the show last 
week. How much are they?” 

They cost seventy-five cents each, yesterday, 
and I was told they were prize flowers. They 
are — anything I can get for them — now!” 

Oh ! I don’t call that high 1 I often have to 
pay a dollar or more for roses at holiday time. 
Of the sort I like. I think these would just ■ suit 
Mamma. I will take a dozen, please. I was 
sorry you were not at class to-day. The Pro- 
fessor went over our duet with me, and I gathered 
some new ideas from him. He is very anxious 
it should be a success ; and naturally I am. Will 
you be there next lesson ? ” 


64 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


^^Yes, I think so. At least, I shall not be 
absent for the same reason as to-day/' said 
Beatrice, with a return of something like her 
natural manner. 

That 's good ! I can sing so much better with 
you than with anybody else,” remarked Miss Ag- 
new, smiling pleasantly, nodding cordially, and 
passing onward immediately. 

^^Well! I’m in for it now! If Helen Agnew 
is inclined to tell, the whole class can ‘point 
the finger of scorn ’ at me to-morrow. But how 
cold it is ! How warm she looked ! She had 
evidently been having luncheon at this great 
hotel, for she came out, or rather she walked 
along with a ‘ rocky ’-looking old gentleman, 
using a toothpick. I suppose he was her father. 
How nice it must be to have a father! And 
think of being able, a school-girl, out of one’s 
own pocket money, to buy a dozen chrysanthe- 
mums for one’s mother — at such a j)rice ! Yet, 
after all, selling them for one’s mother may be 
just as noble. I ’ll ‘ play pretend ’ it is, any way. 
And I am quite refreshed. I ’ll ‘ buckle tae ’ with 
a good will now ! There are only twenty-five 
left; and — ” 

Beatrice fell to ruminating. She forgot that 
she was on a street corner, presumably to sell 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


65 


flowers. She paid no attention to the rude 
pushes and jostles that she received, but swayed 
this way and that, accommodating her slight 
person to the needs of the crowd, till one more 
urgent pedestrian than the others suddenly caught 
the handle of his walking-stick in that of her basket 
and ruthlessly tore it from her grasp. 

Beatrice aroused herself with a scream. My 
flowers ! Oh, my flowers ! Please, please, don’t 
tread upon them, people ! Please give me time 
to—” 

^^Eh! Bon, what’s the matter? Who took 
'em ? This chap ? ” demanded Robert, who had 
returned, and eagerly catching hold of the wrong 
person. ^^Look a here, man ! You ’d better look 
out how you steal my sister’s chrysms ! I ’ll let 
you know I — Ginger I There ’s the old fellow 
himself ! ” 

Alas ! the inevitable crowd ! Nobody can utter 
a sound above the natural, but dozens of itching 
ears must pause to learn why. 

‘^Beg pardon. Miss. It was an accident. I 
am extremely sorry. Are they injured ? Ah ! I 
see. Hopelessly. The price, please, I will make 
good the loss; but I am in a hurry — Yes, Dollo- 
way, directly. Keep close to me, Dolloway. I ’ll 
look out for you. Eh ? Hey ? What ? ” 


66 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Bonny was stooping to gather up her ruined 
treasure, but something in the voice startled her, 
a peculiar softness of the r’s, and a broad 
inflection of the a’s. 

It is the corner of Fate ! ” cried the girl, 
recklessly, and lifted herself face to face with 
Mr. Chidly Brook. 

Why, Miss Beckwith ! It is, indeed ! ” 


CHAPTER VI. 


humpty-dumpty’s ” NOVEL EXPERIENCE. 
H, sir ! Will you ever forgive me ? ” 



Forgive you, my dear ! I am the one to 
be forgiven, I should think. And I appreciate 
your wearing my gift, and am exceedingly sorry 
I ruined the flowers. However, they can easily 
be replaced. Odd that we should meet just here 
again! Were you returning from your school? 
And how is your mother to-day ? ” 

Mother is better, thank you, though I have 
not seen her since early morning. But I am not 
returning from school, and I was not wearing 
your flowers. I cannot let you think anything 
so kind of me as that. I was selling them 1 ” 

The four people of the group had retreated to 
the wall of the hotel, aside from the passing 
throng, and Mr. Dolloway had been eying Rob- 
ert, who returned the stare, very much as a big 
dog eyes a little one before making acquaint- 
ance. If there was one object in the world of the 
old fellow’s special detestation, it was the average 
small boy. He was always ready to ascribe to 


68 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


them all the sins of the decalogue with many 
original additions; and he now suspected the 
little brother of Beatrice of having caused Mr. 
Brook’s detention for some evil purpose of his 
own. He was not even convinced otherwise 
when presently his master recovered sufficiently 
from the astonishment Bonny’s words had caused 
to explain : These are Conrad Beckwith’s grand- 
children, Dolloway.” 

Humph! How do you do?” asked the old 
servant, feeling he must say something. 

First-rate 1 ” responded Bob, heartily. Howdy 
yourself ? ” 

H’m-m, I ’m well enough, but they ’s a cold 
wind blows round this corner, sir.” 

^^Yes, lad, I know it. But did you wish to 
say anything further to me. Miss Beckwith ? ” 
asked the considerate Mr. Brook, trying to make 
his manner as cordial as it had been, but failing 
signally. 

Beatrice felt desperate. She must make this 
kind, gentle old man understand that she had 
not been selling his gift for a mean, selfish rea- 
son ; yet how was she to do so ? It was unkind 
to keep him standing in that bleak place any 
longer, nor did she wish to visit any more stores 
in his company. 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


69 


Yes ; I do want to tell you about it. I would 
be glad to talk with you about everything ; but 
where can I ? Will you go back to my mother’s 
house with me ? Or where can I go with you ? ” 
My child, do not distress yourself about these 
trumpery posies. They were yours. You had a 
perfect right to do with them as you chose.” 

^^But I want to explain. I am not so mean 
as you think me, and yet I am a great deal 
worse. I played truant to-day, like a bad little 
boy, and persuaded Robert to do the same. My 
poor mother knows nothing about this affair, and 
she will be mortified when she hears. Besides, 
I would like to ask your advice, somebody’s 
advice anyway, and you say you were grand- 
father’s friend. I — ” 

Wait a moment, my dear. Have you had 
your dinner yet ? ” Mr. Brook glanced from 
the sister to the brother, as he spoke, and the 
brightening of Robert’s black eyes was sufficient 
answer. 

No, sir. But we will get that as soon as we 
get home.” 

^^Then I have it! Let us take a carriage down 
to my hotel, where I am sure of being served as 
I like, and you two take dinner with me there. 
Then we can have ample time to talk, as well as 


70 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


a comfortable place to do it in. Will you ? 
Wbat do you say, Robert?’' 

I say yes an’ thank you,” answered the child 
promptly, and with more civility than might have 
been expected. 

I do not like to give you that trouble and — 
and expense,” said Bonny naively, alert as pov- 
erty had made her to the value of money. Be- 
sides, we should be going home soon.” 

If you have played truant for a little while, 
you may as well continue a bit longer. I am as 
anxious to talk with you as you can possibly be 
with me, and I will be responsible to your mother 
for this added delay; that is, if you are not 
positively needed at home.” 

Thank you. No, I am not needed now. I 
am not of much account there anyway ; and we 
shall be very happy to accept your invitation,” 
added Bonny, with a sudden change of determi- 
nation induced by a hasty study of her little 
brother’s face. How hungry he did look ! How 
good a real dinner would taste to the child! 
Well, if people didn’t mean what they said they 
should be punished by being believed 1 

Yet Mr. Brook’s smile at her acceptance told 
certainly enough how sincere had been his invi- 
tation ; and in a few seconds more the whole 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


71 


party were driving down Broadway, and Robert 
felt himself of considerable more importance than 
when he had interviewed pedestrians on the flower 
question. 

Do you like riding, lad ? ” asked Mr. Brook, 
amused at the earnest expression of the bpy’s face. 
^^Like it ! You bet ! It *s bully ! ” 

Dolloway frowned and sniffed. Talk English, 
can’t you ? ” 

He knows what I mean ; so do you,” replied 
Humpty-Dumpty ” instantly. 

Rob ! don’t be impertinent ! ” cried Beatrice, 
warningly. 

Ain’t impertinent. I do like it. Bully means 
tip-top. I don’t mean anything out the way, 
only it does bother me to talk c’rect. I will 
when I get older, mebbe.” 

Train up a child in the way — ” said Dollo- 
way; but got no further, for Robert’s exclama- 
tions eflectually stopped all other conversation, 
even if his elders had been inclined to converse ; 
and pleasant though the ride was, all save the 
boy were glad when the carriage drew up before 
the substantial old hostelry where Mr. Brook felt 
was the only positive comfort to be found in the 
city. 

This is our parlor, my dear. Is n’t it a good, 


72 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


old-fashioned room ? Our bedrooms open off from 
it. I have put up at this ^ inn ’ for many years ; 
that is, I used to do so when I was in the habit 
of spending much of my time in town. Did I 
mention to you that we return home in the 
morning ?” 

So soon ! ” exclaimed Beatrice, and wondered 
why she felt so sorry. 

^^We have been here for several days. My 
sister will expect us. Now, my dear, I want 
you to tell me anything you wish. Rest assured 
I will advise you to the utmost of my wisdom.” 

Bonny looked up and saw Mr. Dolloway's eyes 
fixed curiously upon her. There was not a parti- 
cle of sympathy in his face and it was evident 
that girls were not much more to his taste than 
boys. She felt that she could not say a word 
before him, and she did not know how to place 
him, whether as friend or servant of her host. 

Perhaps Mr. Brook saw this hesitation and 
rightly interpreted it ; for he rose almost at once 
and said : I would like to go down to old 
Trinity before I return home. I ’ll leave you, 
Dolloway, and our 3^oung friend Robert to order 
the dinner, and Miss Beckwith and I will walk 
down to the church, — that is, if she will favor 
me with her company. By the time we come 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 73 

back, dinner will be ready to serve, and I shall 
be able to satisfy Joanna’s questions about her 
old place of worship. Does that plan suit every- 
body ? ” 

Bonny sprang up instantly. I think you have 
a gift for plans which please everybody, dear sir ! 
I was never in Trinity Church but once, though I 
was born and have always lived in New York. I 
should like to go very much.” 

Then let us be off. Will the arrangement 
suit Robert ? If not — ” 

I ’d rather stay here, thank you, sir,” said 
the boy; ^^and did you mean ’at I could have 
am/thinq I wanted to eat?” 

Bob ! ” 

Certainly. Order anything you wish, that is 
in market. I remember how hungry I used to 
get w^hen I was a school-boy. I ’m hungry still ; 
so don’t forget to look out for me, too. Good- 

by for a little while ; ” and nodding gayly to the 

lad, Mr. Brook led the way into the street and 
down it to the church. 

I like this old place. I can remember it for 

so long. To step into it out of the rush of 

Broadway is almost like being recreated,” said 
Mr. Brook, reverently, as they entered and 
passed slowly up the broad aisle. 


74 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Bonny could say nothing. Her mind was in a 
ferment of eagerness to tell this new- old friend 
everything concerning herself and her dear ones. 
She felt that he would understand and be able to 
explain the muddle ” in which she found herself 
without her saying a word, and yet she wanted 
to leave nothing for him to guess at. 

Will you sit down here with me, Mr. Brook ? ” 

Certainly.” 

They took the places Beatrice had designated, 
and as she looked up into the kindly, interested 
face all her trouble passed away. ‘^You must 
have seen, sir, that we are very poor. When I 
looked at that basket of flowers I thought it 
was dreadful to have anything of such value 
wasted in that way, while my precious mother 
is toiling her life out to keep her family in 
simple necessaries. Then it came into my head 
that I might sell them. I never did such a 
thing before, though I would not have been 
ashamed to if — No, that is n’t quite honest. I 
don’t like to earn money that way, but I would 
be glad to earn it regularly, by any straight- 
forward, hard work, if I might be allowed.” 

How ^ allowed,’ my dear ? Can you not work 
if you will ? ” 

No ; that is just it. Mother thinks her geese 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


75 


are all swans, and must not swim in common 
mill-ponds. So she is just killing herself to 
keep Isabelle at the fashionable school where she 
studies art, in pay for her — Belle’s — looking 
after ^ primaries.’ That way it does n’t cost any- 
thing for the instruction; but clothes do cost, 
such clothes as my sister must wear if she goes 
fitly among such rich pupils, cost a great deal 
for us. Eoland is the happiest of all, maybe ; 
because he does generally earn his own way. 
That is, what he earns has mostly paid the 
rent, only now he’s lost his place. I think it 
was the knowledge of that which upset Mother, 
last night. Her courage has been stretched so 
much that it is wearing out.” 

How did he lose his position ? What was it ? ” 

He was some sort of a clerk in a wholesale 
dry-goods house. I suppose he quarrelled with 
his employer. He hated it. He said it would 
have seemed a great deal manlier to him to 
sell stoves or steam-engines, or something not 
so womanish as silks and velvets; but I fancy 
it would have made no difference. He was 
born to live out of doors. He ’s a different 
boy when he happens to get an outside ^job,’ 
once in a while.” 

How old is he ?” 


V6 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Sixteen. Belle is one year older than he.” 
What do you study, my dear ? ” 

Nothing much but music, now. Mother has a 
friend who is interested in the best Conservatory 
here, and I have the benefit of instruction there. 
I have an idea that this lady, this friend, pays 
my expenses, or advances the money to Mother 
for that purpose, though I do not know. I asked 
once, but was not told. Mother is certain I have 
a fortune in my voice, and she is killing herself to 
keep me in training. I cannot say I have not. 
T have no wish to run down my only legitimate 
stock in trade, but I don’t believe I ’m a Patti or 
a Jenny Lind. I may be, of course. Brother 
Robert is too little to be anything but the dearest, 
sweetest small chap in the world. So there you 
have us. We are not beggars, exactly ; for Mother 
has a little bit of an income which ekes out the em- 
broidery money, and so we manage. But it is n’t 
as it should be, and what I want to know is : 
Could such a family as ours make a living in the 
country somewhere ? Do you think our ^ talents ’ 
could be put to any sensible use ? And — do you 
forgive my selling your flowers ? ” 

My dear, I am glad if they brought you one 
bit of additional money. I wish you had had 
double the number — ” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


77 


Oh dear ! I don’t ! That sounds saucy. 
But I never in the world could make my salt 
that way. I have n’t the patience, and I have 
too much pride. But I did get quite a nice little 
sum for them, and I am sure it will do Motherkin 
a lot of good. Only her pride will suffer, and her 
heart ache a little that I could do anything with- 
out telling her first. We never have any secrets 
in our small household ; and I have been so low- 
spirited all day over mine. Only, of course, I 
shall make a clean breast of the business as soon 
as I get home.” 

Miss Beckwith, or Beatrice, if you will let me 
call you so, I thank you for your confidence in 
me. I want to prove myself to you all that my 
Conrad would have been to any one dear to me, 
if I can. But I see very clearly that your mother 
is proud and self-reliant. She is not of the sort 
to whom one can offer pecuniary aid without 
offering a sting as well. I am of the same kind 
myself. I should not like to receive benefits at 
all, unless I had a chance of repaying them. I 
agree with the doctor that Mrs. Beckwith would 
be better in the country ; but I dare not propose 
my poor knowledge of what is best for you young- 
sters against a mother’s wish and wisdom. Still, 
continue to trust me for a little while. Some way 


78 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


will open to help you; and Joanna will advise 
me. I never take any important step without 
consulting her.” 

Bonny looked her surprise. Mr. Brook was a 
hale, strong-hearted man of eighty years. How 
odd that he should need to take counsel of any- 
body, least of all of a woman ! Is Joanna the 
sister of whonlij^ou sp'oke ? ” 

Yes. A wise and dear friend she has been to 
me all my life. She and I live together at the 
old homestead in New Windsor with the servants 
who have been long in our employ. 1 hope you 
will know her soon. You are certain to love her 
if you do.” 

Bonny’s quick sympathy sent a momentary 
moisture to her bright eyes, which Mr. Brook 
saw clearly enough, even without his glasses, which 
had fallen from his nose. Why, what, my 
dear ? ” 

Nothing — nothing, sir ! Only that is so 
beautiful ! I wonder if my Roland will love me 
like that when he is old, and I am ! We are the 
^ closest chums ’ now ; but — do you suppose it 
will last ? ” 

Let us hope it will last, my dear. And it cer- 
tainly will if you do your sisterly share to make it. 
Never for one moment allow yourself to forget 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


79 


that you are children of one mother, — the brave 
little mother who has toiled to keep you in one 
fold. Then I am as positive it ^ will last ' as that 
our dinner must be waiting us now ! ’’ 

Bonny sprang up at once. Thank you, Mr. 
Brook. And if your sister does not see how 
to help us into a sensible way of living, still I 
shall always remember you gratefully ; and I will 
try to be to my Roland what Miss Brook has been 
to you. I will, indeed. But I am glad to go 
back to Robert. He is rather uncertain in his 
behavior, though the dearest little fellow in the 
world ! ” 

Indeed ? ” laughed Mr. Brook, dryly; and with 
so much of mischief in his fine old face that again 
Beatrice was reminded of the picture her mother 
had seen in the chrysanthemums, and she be- 
guiled the way back to the hotel by a description 
of the little scene when the basket had arrived. 

That was pretty, very pretty. Joanna must 
certainly know your mother ; and I have a scheme 
in my mind that, meeting her approval, will bring 
many happy days to all of us, I trust.” The old 
man looked up cheerily, and caught Bonny’s won- 
dering gaze fixed upon his face. Ah, ha, my 
dear ! You see that youth has no monopoly of 
^ looking forward.’ A man may be a deal happier 


80 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


at eighty than he ever was at eighteen. I 
am.” 

They reached the hotel none too soon. Dinner 
had been ready for some moments, and both Mr. 
Dolloway and Robert were in the condition of 
temper which hungry men, of any size, not pos- 
sessing more than tlie usual amount of grace” 
commonly exhibit. 

Bonny ! I want to go home ! Right away ! 
That horrid old man has — sp-sp-spanked — me ! ” 


CHAPTER YII. 


DINING IN STATE. 

TMPOSSIBLE ! ” cried Beatrice, catching the 

^ angry boy in her arms, and casting a defiant 
glance toward the irate Mr. Dolloway. 

^AYell, when a young one don’t know any better 
than to sass his elders he ’d ought to be spanked. 
So I done it. An’ I ’ll do it again, if I ever have 
occasion to.” 

Dolloway ! ” 

Beatrice was surprised to hear how stern Mr. 
Brook’s voice could become, and she was delighted 
to see the other old fellow wince visibly. The 
sternness had gone home to the servant’s guilty 
heart, as it should. 

Truth, sir. Begging your pardon for sayin’ 
so. Here was I, laying myself out to entertain 
the boy ; a telling stories till my jaws ached, and 
answering questions by the thousand till I could n’t 
talk no more. Then I remembered the checker- 
board we ’d brought along, and I tried to learn him 
how to play. The sass he give me — beat all ! 


82 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


He knows more ’n I do ; more ’n you do, sir ; 
more ’n the President of these United States and 
Queen Victory into the bargain.” 

I — I — I don’t ! I — never ! ” sobbed Eobert. 
You did. You do — er you think you do ! 
Did n’t you conteradict me plain to my face about 
them moves ? Did n’t you just as good as say I 
cheated ? ” 

Wull — wull — wull — you did ! ” 

Hush, Bob ! Let the old man tell his story 
first.” 

^^If — if he gets his in fust — who’s a goin’ 
ter b’lieve mine ? ” demanded Humpty-Dumpty,” 
with renewed energy. Fust ofi he knocked me 
down with the checker-board. Think I was goin’ 
ter stan’ that ? I guess not ! So I hit him with 
my fist. That’s all they was to it. An’ I’d a 
been satisfied nen to quit an’ begin over again, if 
he’d a played fair. But he would n’t. Nen — 
he — he caught me up — an’ — ” 

Never mind, now. Try not to think about 
it. And if you have been naughty you must 
apologize to Mr. Dolloway.” 

This — this is distressing!” exclaimed poor 
Mr. Brook, who hated a quarrel. Try, both of 
you, to forget all about it. You were probably 
both almost starved. So I ’ll order in the dinner 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


83 


at once, and that will set ns all straight. Come 
here, my little man. Here is a quarter for you.” 

But the little man ” was beyond the allure- 
ments of tips. He had sustained an indignity 
which it seemed to him he could never forget. It 
had been part of Mrs. Beckwith’s gentle ride that 
no physical violence should ever be visited upon 
her children. In the street the boys had taken 
their share of rough-and-tumble fighting with 
other boys, but in their own home or at their 
schools neither had ever received a blow. The 
fact and the method of Mr. Holloway’s punish- 
ment was, therefore, the more infuriating and 
humiliating to the really proud little boy, who 
was at heart as good ” as his doting sister con- 
stantly declared him. 

Go, darling ! ” whispered Bonny. Don’t 
make poor Mr. Brook feel any worse. He is un- 
happy about his man’s rudeness to you. Go ! Be 
generous, and take it ! ” 

This was putting the matter in a new light; 
and Robert despised anything like want of gener- 
osity. He hesitated but a second longer, till 
Bonny added, Go, dear ! ” and then he marched 
straight to Mr. Brook and laid his soiled hand 
confidingly upon that gentleman’s knee. 

Wull — I ’ll take it to ’blige you, not him. I 


84 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


ain’t a takin’ no pay fer what he done, an’ I ’ll 
lick him yet, if I get big enough. Thank you, 
sir. There comes the waiter man. He ’s been in 
here a lot o’ times a’ ready. I guess it ’s dinner, 
don’t you ? ” 

I guess it is. In fact, I know it is. Now, 
my son, what did you order? And I hope you 
did not forget me. I ’m as hungry as a bear.” 

Are bears hungry ? ” 

They have that reputation. I am not ac- 
quainted with any bears myself, so I cannot 
speak from experience. Come, Holloway, here is 
your especial bit of venison steak again, I see. 
Come, draw up to the table, all.” 

Mr. Holloway sniffed, After you is manners 
for me, sir.” 

Stuff and nonsense, lad! Waive formality 
for once, and take a bit of dinner, with an old 
friend — not after him. Come.” 

No, no, sir ; thank you, I never could relish 
my victuals with young ones to the table.” 

Holloway! sit up. That is enough of non- 
sense. And show the ill-taught child how he 
should behave — if you know how yourself.” 

To Beatrice’s surprise, Mr. Holloway did not 
apparently resent this speech of Mr. Brook’s, and 
he immediately obeyed it. She saw then that. 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


85 


familiar and almost equal as the two had seemed 
to her, one was still the master, the other the man. 

The dinner began in silence, broken only by the 
host’s attempts at conversation, which fell with- 
out much response ; for Dolloway was stubbornly 
speechless, and the young Beckwiths were too 
much impressed by the strangeness of their sur- 
roundings to have leisure for words. Even res- 
taurant service, to which most young city folk 
become early accustomed, was unknown to them, 
for their simple meals had always been taken at 
home; and the deft movements of the waiter, 
perplexity as to the use of the various utensils 
with which he provided them, and a close obser- 
vation of Mr. Brook and his manner of using the 
big or little forks and spoons, occupied them to 
the exclusion of almost everything else, even 
food. 

Try a few of those oysters. They are deli- 
cious, my dear, they are indeed,” urged the 
entertainer, pushing the plate of half-shells gently 
toward Bonny’s place. 

Then she rallied herself. I must not seem 
ungrateful, and the food does smell so good! 
Only there is so much of it ! One of these 
‘ courses,’ I suppose they are, would make enough 
for once at home. I wish Motherkin had 


86 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


some oysters like these ! And she shall. I will 
buy some on my way back.” Then she turned to 
her host, and exerted herself to be as entertaining 
as Bonny Beckwith certainly could be if she 
willed, and before he knew it even Mr. Dolloway 
was laughing. 

In that laugh the hatchet was buried ; or 
rather the last ill-temper which Robert had re- 
tained vanished, and he turned merrily toward his 
enemy with the words : My eye ! This turkey 
is an awful good one, ain’t it ? I wish I could 
have you tell me what to order, every day ! ” 

When I was a boy I liked turkey,” answered 
Dolloway, graciously. 

Tell me ^ when you was a boy,’ please. If 
you will I won’t be sassy no more, an’ I won’t 
beat you no more.” 

Some time. Not now. I did tell you all I 
knew, ’most.” 

He says you have horses of your own, Mr. 
Brook ! ” said Humpty-Dumpty,” suddenly re- 
membering this communication and wishing to 
have it verified. 

Yes, I have a number ; seven in the stables 
now, I think. But all are not mine ; one pair is 
my sister’s. Some day I hope you will come and 
see them.” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


87 


Ginger ! Do you ? Honest Injun ? ” 
Certainly. Why should you doubt it ? ” 

Oh — because I hit him^ an’ I ’m a ^ young 
one/ an’ — I’m gen’ ally doin’ somethin’ I had n’t 
oughter. But if you mean it I’ll come, if my 
mother will let me.” 

I shall ask her,” said Mr. Brook, cheerfully. 

I have hopes she will say ^ yes.’ Then Dollo- 
way, here, shall teach you how to ride.” 

No, I sha’n’t teach nobody to break his 
neck.” 

Perhaps you may have a horse of your own, 
some day,” calmly pursued Mr. Brook, undis- 
turbed by Dollo way’s present rebellion against 
authority. 

Robert gasped. Such a perhaps ” literally 
took his breath away. Then he asked : 

Could I ride him bareback ? ” 

I presume you would attempt it.” 

If I ’tempted it I ’d do it. They ain’t no 
back down ter me ; I ’ve got grit, I have. 
Bonny, here, she would V give up — kerflummux ! 
a sellin’ those chrysms, but I made her hold on. 
If it had n’t ’a’ been fer me she would n’t ’a’ 
made nothin’, hardly.” 

Bonny winced. The least said about chry- 
santhemums the better she liked it now. But 


88 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


she answered : How about the dozen which 
Miss Agnew bought ? Where were you at that 
time ? ” 

Robert ignored the inquiry. He had now eaten 
all that his capacity permitted, and he began to 
think of home. Not that homesickness troubled 
him, but a longing to boast of that day’s ex- 
perience over the humdrum, matter-of-fact life 
which had probably gone on in the Second Avenue 
flat. 

Say, Bon 1 It ’s time fer a feller ter go 1 
Motherkin ’ll be gettin’ worried ’bout us.” 

If Mr. Brook will excuse us we will go at 
once, before the up-town cars get crowded.” 

Golly! Will you ride? Eh?” 

Yes, dear. We are a long way from our own 
neighborhood now.” 

I know that. But I ’ve walked it before, 
when I did n’t have no such good dinner inside of 
me. I’d laugh if I couldn’t now!” 

Very well. We ’ll try it, then.” 

But they were not to be permitted. When they 
turned to bid their host good-by, they found him 
with his hat on, ready to accompany them to the 
street. You must allow me to put you in a 
cab, my dears. Yes, yes. Indeed, I shall permit 
nothing else. You are to say all kind things to 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


89 


the family for me, and I will write your mother 
or you, after I reach home and have seen Joanna. 
One thing, remember. I am not a new acquaint- 
ance. I am an old and tried friend. You can 
trust me. You can expect to see a great deal of 
me, if you will. Good-by.” 

Good-by.” Good-by ! Don’t forget about 
my visit to you ! ” Thank you. Good-by.” 

Around whirled the cab, and off up the street 
sped — no, crawled — the vehicle, among the 
lines of trucks and wagons, street-cars, hacks, and 
carriages, till Beatrice felt she could have out- 
stripped that pace on her own light feet. 

But it ’s riding, all the same. Bon ! Let ’s 
play pretend it ’s our own carriage and we have 
been down town to buy a horse.” 

No ; a house in the country.’" 

Horses too. An’ we ’re goin’ ter live ^ swell ’ 
forever after. We ’re goin’ ter have turkey every 
day.” 

Every other day, dear; it would be better 
for our digestion.” 

What ’s digestion ? ” 

It is the one thing which the impecunious 
young Beckwiths have in perfection.” 

' Pooh ! What ’s the use of saying words a mile 
long ? An’ why don’t you give a real answer ? ” 


90 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


I like to use long words. It ’s the only lux- 
ury I can afford. And the real answer is, the 
prime condition of our ^ insides/ which allow us 
to eat anything from ^ A to Izzard.' There, let ’s 
get out at this corner. I want to invest a little of 
my money in a few oysters for Motherkin, as 
well as to pay you the seventy-five cents I 
promised.” 

They dismissed the cab at the corner of Third 
Avenue and hurried into the nearest market, 
where Bonny selected with utmost care a dozen 
of the very finest bivalves ” she could find ; but 
when she offered the promised reward to her 
little brother he surprised her by refusing to take 
it. 

Why, Bob ! Why not ? Are you ill ? What 
is the matter ? ” 

No, I ain’t ill. Can’t a feller do a gen’rous 
thing ’ithout his folks "cusin’ him o’ bein’ sick ? 
But, say! Wait a minute! I will take it, too. 
I ’ll take it an’ give it to my mother myself. 1 
earned it fair an’ square, didn’t I ? ” 

Of course you did. And you are a perfect 
darling that you do not wish to waste it on your- 
self. Mother will be delighted with your unself- 
ishness ! If it were n’t in the street I ’d kiss you, 
sweetheart ! ” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


91 


Well, you need n’t. An’ I ’ve got a quarter, 
anyway. That is more ’n I ’ve had in a dog’s age 
before. Do you s’pose my mother will scold me 
for running away from school ? ” 

As you draw near home your conscience begins 
to prick you, does n’t it ? Mine does. I did n’t 
feel half as guilty before.” 

There was such a sympathy in this matter that 
despite its being on the street ” and a place 
where exhibitions of affection were out of place, 
the brother and sister clasped hands with an 
eagerness that told how much they really feared 
the quiet glance of disapproval which Mrs. Beck- 
with would make her only punishment. 

But it was not Beatrice’s habit to acknowledge 
herself worsted till compelled; and she dashed 
into the little parlor of their flat crying, as gayly 
as she could : Fairy gifts, Motherkin ! I ’ve dis- 
covered the secret of transmuting posies into 
pounds, petals into pennies, and chrysanthemums 
into oysters ! Behold — and believe ! ” 

Ahem ! Miss Beatrice, this is truly fortunate. 
I had begun to despair of seeing you.” 

The girl wheeled suddenly about, and there, 
spectacles on nose and music-roll in hand, sat the 
Professor of Voice Culture who was training her 
for her career,” and whom she had faithfully 


92 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


promised to meet that day for a particular rea- 
son of obligingness to me myself ; that may mean 
a much of benefit to the poor old Herr Doctor.’' 

Until that instant she had utterly forgotten the 
teacher’s request and her promise, and the regret 
with which she now recalled it effectually banished 
all affected hilarity. Dropping her package of 
saddle rocks,” she held out both hands to the 
shabby-looking German, with an accent of such 
keen distress in her voice that he forgave her on 
the instant : Oh, sir ! I am so sorry. But — I 
never thought of it, not once. Has it made a 
great difference ? ” 

No, no, — not so great — but the mother — ” 
Bonny turned once more, this time to be con- 
fronted by another visitor, and oddly enough 
another teacher, the head master of the parochial 
institution where Robert was supposed to learn 
more refinement than he could at the public 
schools of the city. 

My dear, Mr. Benton. He has called about 
Robert’s absence, fearing he was ill. He also 
has a broken engagement to explain. Where 
have you both been all day ? ” 

Mother ! must I tell — now — before these ? ” 
I know of no reason why you should not. I 
hope my children have not absented themselves 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


93 


from their duties for any cause which they would 
be ashamed to mention.” There was both pride 
and pain in the widow’s tone, and Bonny opened 
her lips to make a clean breast of the matter,” 
but a second thought restrained her. What she 
had done might have been unwise, but she saw 
no reason to explain their actual poverty to all 
the world.” For the first time in her life she re- 
fused to answer her mother’s question, and a spot 
of heightened color burned on each cheek as she 
bowed and murmured : “ I cannot give the rea- 
son now, dear. Please do not press me ; ” and 
immediately quitted the apartment. ^ 

But alas for the Beckwith pride ! In her 
haste Beatrice forgot that she had left the gar- 
rulous Humpty-Dumpty ” behind her. 


CHAPTER VIII. 


PROPOUNDING A RIDDLE, 


INGER ! If Bon has n’t dropped them 



Vjr oysters down kerfiump ! ” cried Robert, 
picking up the brown paper parcel and laying it 
on his mother’s lap. Then he plunged one pudgy 
hand deep in the corner of his pocket, where the 
hole had been pinned together, and produced four 
silver quarters. Hi ! there, Motherkin ! See 
them ? ” and he cast a supercilious glance about 
upon the spectators, as if pitying the envy which 
must thrill their breasts. 

I see, dear. But go and make your excuses 
to Mr. Benton. I have had none to make for 
you.” 

Robert immediately crossed to the master’s 
side and explained : I could n’t come ter school 
to-day, sir, ’cause my sister had ter go an’ sell 
some chrysms on the Avenue, an’ I did n’t like ter 
let her go alone. It ain’t nice fer girls to go ter 
places alone, my mother says.” 

When the child had reached this point in his 
disclosures Isabelle rose rather hurriedly and left 



He cast a supercilious glance about him 



9 KJ:-! 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 95 

the room by the same door which had covered 
Bonny’s exit. 

Well, my boy. If yon have a valid reason 
for your absence we will have to see about get- 
ting you excused. But there has been too much 
of this truanting, and we have resolved to put a 
stop to it. We have not quite the authority 
which the public school teachers have, else we 
should not be so troubled. An examination for 
promotion is to be held next week, and I felt that 
Robert had no time to lose if he wished to go 
forward with his class. Besides, he had promised 
to assist me a little in preparing for an evening 
entertainment in aid of the school, and I depended 
on him.. He was to have been a little ^ Red Cross 
Knight,’ but owing to his absence I was obliged 
to give his place to another boy.” 

Five minutes later both the Professor and Mr. 
Benton had departed, and Bonny immediately re- 
appeared. Mother ! don’t look at me so 
grieved. I am bad, I know; as bad as I can 
be. But I don’t mean it, and I really felt as if 
I were doing something very praiseworthy when 
I set out on my adventures this morning. I was 
in quite a glow of self-righteousness. I was, 
indeed ! ” 

How about the glow now, my child ? ” asked 


96 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


the mother, gently stroking the flushed face rest- 
ing on her knee. 

It ’s gone. But — but this remains ; ” and 
she counted out the contents of her little purse, 
which amounted to about ten dollars. That 
is n’t so very bad, though it ’s about one fourth 
of what 1 anticipated bringing home. As it is, 
nine dollars of this came from one person.” 

Beatrice ! Not from Mr. Brook, I hope ! ” 

No, Mother kin. But will you forgive me ? 
I ’ll never do so again. I promise you. And I ’ve 
so much to tell. I can’t wait till I tell it, yet it 
does n’t come easy with that sort of a wall of dis- 
pleasure and sorrow between us. Please take 
your bad girl back, down deep into the happy 
place in your heart again. Mother darling ! I 
hate to feel unhappy ! I do, awfully ! ” 

Her whimsical entreaty covered a regret so sin- 
cere that Mrs. Beckwith understood, and stooping 
kissed very tenderly the tumbled curls of her 
energetic daughter. There was a trace of tears 
in her own eyes as she lifted her head, but there 
was no further word of blame or repentance be- 
tween them ; yet Beatrice never forgot that 
hour, nor did she ever again test any scheme, 
no matter how brilliant its promise, without tak- 
ing her mother into confidence first. 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


97 


Well, then, that ’s settled and done with. I 
feel better, very much better. And Kobert is 
not to be blamed at all. Nor am I, even, for 
part of my badness. I forgot that. Mr. Brook 
has part of the blame. He claims it, and I ’m 
sure I ’m willing he should enjoy it.” 

My daughter, have you been to see Mr, 
Brook?” 

^Wes, ’m, I have. I’ve dined with him. At 
the Astor House. In a private parlor. But that 
was n’t the beginning of the story. You should 
let people begin at the beginning. Mother 
dear.” 

Begin at the beginning, Beatrice.” 

The recital was given, amid the comments and 
illustrations of the youngest Beckwith ; no details 
were omitted, and it ended with the question : If 
this good friend of our grandfather’s finds some 
place that we could live in the country, would you 
go. Mother ? ” 

‘^^For my own part, I should be glad to go. 
But your education, the different careers which 
may be open to you here, my children, these 
must be considered first. All the young people 
are leaving the country places and flocking to the 
towns, if we are to believe the articles we read. 
If those who have been born and reared in the 

7 


98 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


country cannot make a decent livelihood there, 
how can we expect to do so?” 

Well, you see, Motherkin! we’re all geniuses ! 
That ’s the theory we are living on now ; and a 
genius can do what no less gifted mortal can ! 
But all jesting aside, Mr. Brook agrees with the 
doctor that your health would be a great deal 
better in a country place than here ; and I ’ll 
risk the rest of the question for that great gain. 
So should you, if you love us.” 

“Well, well, dearie. The question is not to be 
met to-night. But those oysters you brought in 
and dropped so disdainfully upon the floor will 
taste very nicely to us who have not dined at the 
Astor House upon roast turkey and other good 
things galore. Would you object to broiling me 
a few ? ” 

After all, the day ended merrily. The Beck- 
withs had a faculty of making mirth out of 
trifles, and it kept them all from growing sour 
or cross-grained over the inevitable hardnesses 
of their lot in life. Roland brought out his 
banjo and forgot the day’s hopeless search for a 
new situation in the picking up of a melody that 
had caught his ear. Belle worked hard to make 
a realistic “study” of chrysanthemums from the 
two or three which Beatrice had left behind 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


99 


her that morning on her mother’s kitchen table. 
Mrs. Beckwith outlined” a pattern against the 
next day’s finer embroidering ; Robert played at 
jack-straws till he had beaten himself ” a satis- 
fying number of times ; while Beatrice moved 
everywhere about the little home, putting away 
scattered papers and books, dusting carefully 
each nook and corner, and finally sitting down 
to peruse a cook-book in the hope of finding 
some desirable dish for the next day’s dinner 
which would cost next to nothing in the con- 
cocting. 

A busy week followed, busy for all save 
Roland, and yet even for him, though his 
labors were without apparent result; and then 
the postman brought the letter which all except 
Bonny had nearly forgotten, the letter that Mr. 
Brook was to write after consultation with his 
sister, Miss Joanna. 

It was ^^Humpty-Dumpty” who received the 
communication from the messenger and flew up- 
stairs with it, crying out : I bet this is the 
country letter ! I bet it ’s Mr. Brook has found 
a home for us an’ a horse ! Read it, won’t you, 
Motherkin, quick ? ” 

It is very brief, my dears ; but it contains an 
Invitation for Roland to go up and see Mr. Brook 


100 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


at his own home. He writes that there are some 
things much better discussed in person than by' 
mail, and unless he hears to the contrary he will 
send a carriage to meet my son at the railway 
station nearest his house on Thursday — why, 
that is to-morrow ! He adds that he trusts the 
meeting will not be fruitless of good to all con- 
cerned, else he would not suggest it. Well, 
well.” 

“‘Well’ means ^yes,’ doesn’t it?” demanded 
Bonny, eagerly. 

“ I wonder how much it will cost ! ” remarked 
Roland, reflectively. 

“No matter, sir. We ’ll write another poem 
on somebody’s medicine and earn the price of 
the trip, maybe ! Anyway, there is the chry- 
santhemum money which my mother has punished 
me by refusing to touch; you shall take that. 
Then Mr. Brook can feel that he has paid your 
way and will have no scruples about that matter. 
In his heart of hearts, the dear old gentleman 
has been worried over it, I know, just as 
well as if I had heard him say : ‘ But, Joanna, 
they are so poor! What if he goes to the ex- 
pense for nothing ! ’ and she has comforted him 
by saying: ‘Never mind, Chidly dear, we will 
make it up to them in some way. The young 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


101 


man must come, of course.’ You see how it is, 
don’t you, Motherkin ? ” 

I see that, among you, you would wheedle the 
foolish old Motherkin into letting all of you sac- 
rifice your own best interests because you happen 
to think a country life is best for her ! ” answered 
Mrs. Beckwith, smiling fondly upon them all. 

But Roland must go. No matter if we could 
afiord it even less than by Bonny’s exploit we 
are fortunately able, it would be a rudeness 
not to accept the invitation. Yet, Roland, re- 
member ; it is no light task you are undertaking, 
and you must not bring back rose-colored reports 
unless the facts will bear them out ; that is, I 
want you to look at everything with practical 
eyes.” 

I ’ll try. Mother. But my opinion cannot 
decide the question.” 

Your opinion may soon have to decide all 
family matters, my son,” answered Mrs. Beck- 
with, with a gravity that woke a sudden terror 
in their loving hearts. 

But Bonny would have none of this ! Trouble 
— sorrow — should not come to them, not such 
sorrow as her mother’s tone suggested ; and with 
the swift rebellion of her hopeful nature she 
turned upon her brother playfully. “Yes, my 


102 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Laureate. Just take the poetical part of you off 
and give it to me. I ’ll lock it safely up in my 
own bureau till you return. And, see ; here ’s the 
money ! Oh, Bob! don’t you wish you were the 
big brother instead of the little one ? Think of 
seeing your friend Mr. Dolloway again 1 ” 

Three days later Boland had made his journey 
and returned ; and the first glance Bonny gave 
to his face set her heart to beating gayly. Oh ! 
I see it ’s good news you bring, Laureate 1 You 
need n’t try to look so solemn, you ’re so happy 
you could dance 1 ” which was the one thing 
Roland never attempted to do. 

Here he is, Motherkin 1 And he is rose- 
colored, though he tries not to be.” 

Ah, my son ! We have missed you greatly. 
But did you have a pleasant time ? ” 

Mother, it ’s delightful ! It is. Just the 
plain, common-sense side of it is too good to be 
true. It is all so much better than we any of us 
dreamed that I hardly know how to begin.” 

I know, Roland ! ” interposed Robert. ‘^Be- 
gin as we like stories to do : ^ Once upon a 
time.’ ” 

All right, little chap. ^ Once upon a time ’ 
there was an old gentleman that had a great deal 
of money, much more than he needed himself, 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


103 


and he liked to do good with it. He was a 
peculiar old gentleman, too. He did n’t believe 
in the actual giving away of this money, as we 
sometimes give to the street beggars; but he 
would help those who wanted to help themselves. 
He said that was the Lord’s own way, and he 
certainly could not improve upon it. So all his 
life long he has been putting tumble-down people 
on their feet, and educating ignorant ones, and 
building little homes for homeless folks, who 
generally plucked up courage enough to earn the 
cost of the homes themselves at last. All which 
the splendid old fellow did n’t tell me himself ; 
but I found out by asking more questions of every- 
body I met than even Bob could ask in the same 
length of time.” 

You could n’t ! ” said Robert, indignantly. 

I did, small sir. I ’ll prove it by anybody 
who saw me while I was in New Windsor town ! 
\Yell, sure enough, when I got to the station there 
was a cosey carriage waiting for me, and in it, not 
just the servant I had expected to see, but Mr. 
Brook and the sweetest-faced old lady I ever 
saw.” 

Roland ! Did — you go and take that poetry- 
side out of my drawer before you started ? ” asked 
Bonny, pathetically. 


104 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


No, miss. This is plain, unvarnished fact. 
Miss Brook is like her brother, only — more so ! 
She looks like him, with a little smaller features 
and a bonnet on. She wears white curls each side 
her face, and her bonnet is big enough to cover 
her head, and she had on a soft-colored old shawl ; 
India, I think she called it. She is very decided 
and quick, but not harsh. It is only that her 
mind seems to go as fast as Bonny's does, though 
more wisely.” 

Thanks. Next chapter, please,” remarked 
the object of comparison, slipping her arm within 
her brother’s. 

^‘Well, I will skip the rest, for a minute, 
and hurry to the ^ plan.’ Mr. Brook has a 
house he would like to rent us. It stands on 
the land adjoining his own place, and was owned 
by some city people who got dissatisfied and left. 
He bought it partly as an investment, and partly 
to prevent undesirable persons coming to live 
there. It is old and picturesque, but it is in 
good order. It has a revolutionary history, — 
that is, the west side has ; the eastern half is 
more modern. It stands almost upon the river 
bank, though on a bluh above it, and the orchard 
slopes quite down to the water. The rent is two 
hundred dollars a year, which is one hundred less 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


105 


than we pay now. It seemed to me that there 
was more room in it than we needed, but Mr. 
Brook said he thought not. And Bob’s friend, 
D olio way, who went through the house with us, 
remarked : ^ I should think you ’d be glad to 
have room enough to swing a cat in for once ! ’ 
and I concluded that it might be pleasant. The 
house is partly furnished ; that is, there are cur- 
tains of some sort at the windows, and mat- 
ting on the floors. There are closets everywhere, 
and one room is just as General Somebody used 
it. I declare, I was ashamed to And my history 
so rusty, for the whole locality is historic. And — 
Oh, Mother, I do hope you will think favorably 
of it ! ” 

The main question is earning our living there ; 
that is, if I can bring myself to take you away 
from your schools.” 

We talked that all over. There are ten acres 
with the house. There is also a little greenhouse, 
where Mr. Brook thinks we could raise early 
vegetables and flowers for market. Miss Brook 
says that you could do your embroidery there as 
well as here, and that if it seemed best the girls 
could come into the city for their lessons once or 
twice a week. They said we ought to keep one 
cow and a horse, and they had a plan by which 


106 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


we could make tjie horse pay for its keep ; that 
is, if we were willing to work.” 

Are you, my dears ? Remember it is not 
congenial work, nothing to do with books and 
music and art. But I was brought up in the 
country myself, and I know that the only way 
to get a living out of land is, as my guardian 
used to say, ^ dig it out.’ It seems strange for 
us, with our ignorance, to go back and attempt 
to do what the real country people have given up 
as a failure. I am more than doubtful about our 
success.” 

Mother, I never knew you to be so undecided 
about anything ! I have always felt you knew 
long beforehand just what was best ; don’t let us 
think of this thing at all if it troubles you,” said 
Isabelle, gently. 

There was never so much at stake before, my 
dear. But I will waver no longer. Let us each 
make the most of our last winter in the city, and 
in the spring we will go to New Windsor. Now, 
my Beatrice, if that soup of yours is ready we 
will have our dinner.” 

They rose promptly, but soberly. Even Bonny 
could not shake off the influence of her mother’s 
thoughtful words, though she tried to jest as 
usual, and began to sing a gay little melody that 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


107 


Belle liked, till Roland interrupted her by saying : 

Oh, I forgot ; here is a little letter for you, from 
Mr. Brook,” and gave her an unsealed envelope. 

^^For me? How nice! But — how queer! 
Listen to this, all of you ! ” 

My Dear Miss Beatrice, — The name of the place 
where I hope you will live, is The Lindens, from the 
trees which surround it. You will find your fortune in 
those trees if you search for it. I leave your quick wit 
to solve the riddle. Faithfully Yours, 

Philipse Chidly Brook. 


CHAPTER IX, 


THE FIRST EVENING IN THE NEW HOME. 



FEW months later, when the spring was 


just opening, Beatrice and Roland stood on 
the wide porch of the old house in New Windsor, 
eagerly watching the approach of a carriage which 
was bringing to the Lindens the rest of their 
family. The girl’s feet could not keep from 
dancing, and the lad’s spirits found vent in a 
whistle so merry and so spontaneous that old 
Mr. Dolloway, hearing it, muttered grimly : I 
hope he can keep on a feeling that way after he ’s 
tried farming a spell. I don’t see any great fun 
in hard work myself, an’ that ’s what he ’ll get, 
an’ plenty of it.” 

Oh ! I hope Motherkin will not be disap- 
pointed! Think of her trusting everything to 
her children, and saying that what we like will 
certainly suit her! Was there ever such a love 
of a mother in this world ? ” 

No, Bonny, I don’t believe there ever was. I 
can imagine no human being more perfect than 
our mother.” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


109 


I mean she shall have a splendid rest now. 
This air is perfectly delicious! It fairly tingles 
through my veins, it is so pure and brilliant ! ” 

The brother fell to whistling again. 

See 1 The buds are really swelling on my lin- 
dens ! I wonder what their secret is.” 

^‘1 thought you professed to having found 
out ? ” 

^^Not quite. I did think, from the stories I 
have read about Eevolutionary times here, that 
perhaps Mr. Brook believed there was a buried 
treasure underneath those trees somewhere. But 
last night I asked him, and he laughed so gayly 
that I knew I was on the wrong track. Miss 
Joanna laughed, too, and asked me if I thought 
all the poor old soldiers had money to bury, be- 
cause she had certainly heard of enough being 
searched for to supply the whole army with 
wealth, and yet history told us that they suffered 
great privations. There have been some ^ pots of 
gold ’ resurrected right here in this New Windsor 
town, but they did not hold enough to enrich any- 
body, and their contents are preserved more as 
curiosities than used to supply common wants.” 

So you give up that idea entirely ? ” 

Entirely. There they come. Oh, Mother! 
Here at last ! ” 


110 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Considerate in all things, Mr. Brook had sent 
his own carriage to the station to bring Mrs. 
Beckwith and Belle with little Robert, but he had 
not accompanied it himself. He wanted the first 
glimpse of her new home should be an impartial 
one on the lady’s part, and he was too prejudiced 
a person to refrain from pointing out this or that 
favorable feature of the spot he loved so well. 
So the family were quite by themselves, and free 
to express their thoughts as they were inclined 
without fear of wounding anybody’s preferences, 
had there been any danger of their doing so. 
But there was not. As Roland had said, when 
he returned from that first visit of the autumn 
before, It is all so much better than one could 
have dreamed 1 ” was the one and only feeling of 
the brave little woman who stepped down from 
the carriage with happy face and shining eyes. 

Here at last, my darling ! All together once 
more. Are you not tired out with all your hard 
work ? And, Roland, my son, it actually seems to 
me you have grown, even in these few days ! ” 

Grown in importance, Motherkin. He ’s really 
very ^ masterful ’ up here. He feels that he is the 
head of the family now, in good earnest. You 
should hear him say : ‘ Bonny ! that room must be 
my mother’s. It is the very sunniest, pleasantest 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Ill 


in the whole house ! ’ in such a tone. As if a 
body wished to dispute his royal highness ! But 
— how do you like it ? And how did you manage 
in the boarding-house, after w^e came aw^ay with 
the ^ things ’ ? ” 

Oh, w^e managed nicely. Did everything 
come ? Don’t you think you are very smart, 
you two, to take the whole responsibility of 
settling a house, and such a big house as this? 
How nice it looks ! How pretty, nay, how 
beautiful, it all is ! See the delicate green of 
those tree-buds ! And that clump of willows by 
the river-side. What an exquisite color ! And 
the plashing of the water at the foot of the bluff ! 
I had no idea it w^as so lovely ! ” 

Now, Motherkin ! That ’s charming of you ; 
but you don’t wish to waste all your enthusiasm 
out of doors, I hope. As for those willow boughs, 
I can tell you exactly what to do them in. Cad- 
mium, Motherkin, cadmium yellow, number two, 
with shadows of terre verte and umber. Oh ! I 
know ! I was taken with just such an artistic 
spasm the other day when I was scrubbing the 
kitchen pantry, and I sat right down and made a 
study of those willows on the back of the mould- 
ing-board. I did n’t quite finish it, though, for 
Roland called to me to help him with the stove- 


112 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


pipe, and that sort of dampened my spirits for 
a while. Stove-pipes have a depressing influence 
on mankind generally, I believe ; for we could n’t 
get it right, though we tried never so, and after 
a little while Eoland had to call on Mr. Dolloway 
for advice. He — 1 fancy I had best not tell 

what he said. It would n’t have been allowed in 
polite society. He — ” 

Bonny, do keep still ! Mother, she talks all 
the time up here. That is one drawback I have 
discovered to this paradise. It is either talk or 
sing with Beatrice ; she cannot keep still a 
minute.” 

Never mind ! A happy racket never is dis- 
turbing to me. So this is my room ? Well, I 
thank you for selecting one so big and cheerful. 
How well our old furniture does look, after all ! 
And what pretty matting! It — seems like a 
dream. And there is almost as much space in 
this one apartment as in the whole of our little 
flat. I feel like a Mrs. Croesus ! And what a 
light for my embroidery ! ” 

Motherkin, you are not to embroider one stitch 
for one whole week. True. Roland has said so, 
and you will not dare to disobey the Laureate — 
and the head of the family — combined 1 ” 

It was indeed a cheerful, picturesque old farm- 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 113 

house, and could not have been situated more 
pleasantly. To the east, across the river, the 
highlands were violet in the light of the setting 
sun, and the broad stream itself was flecked here 
and there by the white-sailed boats which had 
awaked from the winter’s sleep with the opening 
of navigation, and now darted busily up and 
down intent upon making lost time good. Barges 
and steam-tugs, a steamer or two, and the rattle 
of trains on both banks of the Hudson gave 
what Roland called ^^an American flavor to an 
idyllic picture,” and convinced them all that in 
turning their backs upon the city they had not 
left behind them all connection with its stirring 
life. 

Now the greenhouse. Mother ! Then you 
may have your supper. Miss Brook invited us 
there to-night, but I asked her to excuse us. I 
thought you would be tired and would like to eat 
your first meal in your new home. Though we 
are all to go there to dine to-morrow, and she is 
coming over to see you ^ early in the morning,’ 
which means early, too ! Those two people have 
not a thing to do except please themselves; 
and how do you think they do it ? One of the 
^ hows ’ ? ” 

Don’t tire us with conundrums, Bonny ! ” 
8 


114 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


pleaded Isabelle, who had made a swift tour of 
the whole premises and now returned to the 
empty little glass house where the rest had 
gathered. 

By having their breakfast at seven o’clock the 
year round ! ” 

Then during the week you have passed with 
them you have either suffered or been impolite ! ” 
said Mrs. Beckwith, with conviction. 

I was n’t impolite, Motherkin. I did n’t keep 
them waiting, — they would n’t have waited, 
though, — but I was on hand every morning,' 
sharp. So was Boland. Oh ! that youth is a 
changed young man ! If it only lasts ! ” 

Now, here,” said Roland, paying no attention 
to Bonny’s banter, is where I have sowed my 
celery seed. Here is lettuce ; there radishes ; 
there onions, tomatoes, and by this side a few 
early potatoes. Is n’t that like living ? ” 

Roland, how did you know what to do ? And 
how have you had time to accomplish so much 
since you came ? Shall you like it ? ” 

Mother, you are almost as curious as Bob ! 
It does me good to hear it. I was taught what 
to do by Mr. Brook’s gardener. And we have 
not wasted any of the hours during this past 
week, anyway. And I shall like it — immensely. 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


115 


I never felt so much a man in all my 
life.’’ 

“ Why, you ain’t a man, Koland ! You ’re 
only a boy,” remarked Robert, feeling a bit 
jealous of this big brother who had had a whole 
week at the Lindens, while he had been forced to 
remain in a city boarding-house till Beatrice and 
the Laureate ” prepared the home for their 
mother’s coming. And don’t it look funny to 
see our old things in this new house ! I found 
my own bed the first thing. It ’s in a room all 
by my own self, ’cause Bon said so. That bed is 
new if nothin’ else ain’t, an’ I ’m as much ^count 
as you if I can have a bedroom too.’’ 

‘‘1 think that is one of the luxuries of the 
situation, that each member of the household can 
have his or her own little apartment to do in 
just as he pleases.” 

To do in not at all as he pleases, you mean ! 
That girl has fidgeted herself sick lest there 
should be a speck of dirt left anywhere for your 
eyes to find. Mother. And if I laid a single thing 
down in my room — so-called — she’d pounce 
upon it and hang it up or hide it away, lest the 
place should ^ook like fury.’” 

Well, she has her reward. I really think she 
has done wonders, as well as you. And now I 


116 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


think I smell a cup of tea. If your supper is 
ready, Miss Housekeeper, 1 should be pleased to 
eat it.” 

They had not been allowed to enter the dining- 
room before. Bonny had prepared her table and 
then locked the door. She wanted that room, 
next to the mother’s the most cheerful room in 
the house, to be a surprise to them ; and she now 
opened the door with a flourish of arms, then 
stood back to enjoy the look of pleasure she was 
sure her mother’s face would show. 

Oh, how pretty ! My dear, you have kept 
the best to the last. And this will be our living- 
room, our ^ home ’ room ; and as we break bread 
together in it for the first time, let us each re- 
solve that into this room, whatever of sorrow may 
come, there shall never come an angry word or 
an unloving thought. Three times each day, 
God willing, we will gather here in peace T 

^^Then let’s call it the ^peace-room,’ Mother- 
kin ! ” cried Humpty-Dumpty,” touched for 
almost the first time in his life to a bit of sen- 
timent by the sweet solemnity of his mother’s 
face. 

Good for you, small sir ! It ’s a compact 1 
Your hand upon it, little brother ! And when- 
ever you get into a scrape, if ever such an un- 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


117 


heard-of thing should happen, remember this 
room shall be a retreat where you will be safe. 
I, too ; and between us — ” 

It will not be often unoccupied ! ” said Belle, 
saucily, and moved her mother’s chair to its place. 

What a great, big fireplace ! And ain’t it 
wicked to burn so much wood, Roland? Must 
’a’ cost a heap ! ” remarked Bob, leaning his head 
on his hands, and gazing reflectively into the 
bright Avood fire which flamed on the hearth. 

He had voiced his mother’s own thought, and 
she looked toward the elder son for explanation. 

^-'No, Bob; it cost nothing but a little labor. 
That fire is made of driftwood which washed up 
on our own land. I dragged it to the wood- 
house and cut it up myself. Of course, Mr. 
Brook had a hand in the business, as he has in 
all this good fortune. He lent me his saw and 
axe ; and I am to keep them till I can buy some 
of my own. Think of having anybody lend you 
anything ! It is a neAV experience for us.” 

We do not want to become borrowers, on the 
strength of it, more than is necessary, my dear,” 
said Mrs. Beckwith. 

Don’t you fear. I am quite as independent 
as you, by nature. But I ’ve found out some- 
thing, Mother. There is as much kindness in 


118 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


accepting favors, sometimes, as in conferring 
them. Mr. Brook feels that he is responsible 
for our being here. He wishes to help ns get 
started and everything running smoothly, and 
then I think he means to leave us to stand on 
our own feet. He has sent his man over every 
day to help me about the grounds, and Mr. Hol- 
loway — oh ! Mr. Holloway ! ” 

Bonny echoed her brother’s groan in so comi- 
cal a manner that Robert demanded instantly : 

What ’s he done. Bon ? Has he been a lickin’ 
you ? ’Cause — ” 

’Cause why, my lad ? ” 

’Cause he ’d better not ! I ’ll lick him back 
if he ’tempts it ! I studied that out coming 
along.” 

^^No; he doesn’t Hick’ me. It would be a 
relief if he did. He simply stands and prophe- 
sies evil till I am about distracted. Then I get 
mad and long to ^ sass ’ him — but don’t. For a 
man who has lived with such a master as long 
as he has he is the grumpiest old chaj^ you can 
imagine. He seems to be glad to have us here, 
thinks Ht ’s a fine thing to have the prop’ty let, 
after lyin’ idle so long, yet is sure it will go to 
wrack and ruin bein’ took care of by a passel o’ 
young ones an’ one lorn female.’ My goodness ! 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


119 


Here he comes now. Speaking o’ angels, you 
know. And what has he brought this time — 
but — a cat ! ” 

Yes, I always feel a place never can look 
homelike without a cat around,” explained the 
visitor, when questioned by Beatrice, so I 
fetched this one over. She’s a good mouser, 
an’ if you don’t feed her too much ’ll do well. 
H’m-m. Hope you like the looks o’ things, 
ma’am,” said Mr. Holloway, after he had been 
brought in and duly presented to Mrs. Beckwith 
and Belle. As for Robert, the child’s presence 
was utterly ignored ; and finding this the case, 
he sauntered out of the room on a tour of private 
inspection, or for some reason of his own which 
he did not care to mention. 

I do like the looks of things very, very much. 
I am sure we shall be very happy here if only our 
plans for earning our livelihood do not miscarry. 
To-night I feel as rich as a queen in a new 
palace.” 

H’m-m. Just keep a feelin’ so, ma’am. Our 
folks are powerful glad you ’ve come, an’ things 
’ll go. But I dunno how they would ’a’ gone if it 
had n’t been for me looking after these childern 
you sent up here. They mean well, but — My 
soul ! What in the world ! ” 


120 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


The horrible sounds which had interrupted Mr. 
Dolloway’s discourse appeared to come from the 
rear of the house, and thither everybody rushed to 
learn their cause. 

Burglars! ” thought Mrs. Beckwith, trembling. 

Tramps ! ” echoed Isabelle, recalling all the 
outrages of that fraternity which she had ever 
seen recorded in the newspapers. 

Sounds like some wild animal 1 ” cried Roland, 
and tried to open the door backwards, in his 
haste. 

My soul ! It ’s a cat ! My — cat — I — be- 
lieve ! ” exclaimed the visitor, wildly. 

Oh ! where is Robert ? My little boy — my 
baby ! ’’ wailed the anxious mother, as the sounds 
continued, and grew even fiercer. 

Where was he, indeed ! Till that moment they 
had not missed him, but now each face paled with 
apprehension as his absence was discovered. 

Oo-row-mur-rrow-screech ! -s-spst 1 Ee-e-yo- 
ouw 1 ” 

Humph! It’s my opinion that that sound 
and my small brother are connected ! ” said 
Bonny, composedly. 

Oh ! if they should be ! ” cried Mrs. Beckwith, 
now actually sobbing with terror. 


CHAPTER X. 


ANOTHER LITTLE EPISODE. 

YEN if they should be, we have lived long 



1 j enough to know that ^ Humpty-Dumpty ’ 
is all right. He has as many lives as a cat.” 

Beatrice ! ” 

By the time they reached the outer kitchen, 
whence the terrible sounds proceeded, Robert had 
been collared by Mr. Holloway and was being 
shaken violently to and fro, while Roland was 
pitifully caressing the cat which their guest had 
brought, and which cowered in its rescuer’s em- 
brace, hiding its head beneath the friendly arm 
and shivering as if in an ague. 

Mr. Dolloway ! What are you doing ? Can 
you and my darling never meet but you must 
come to an open battle ? It is perfectly scandal- 
ous ! ” cried Bonny, indignantly, and taking upon 
herself the reproof of the troublesome neighbor. 

Yes, miss ! That is what I say ! It is a 
burning shame and a scandalous outrage ! I ’ll 
teach him, the little whelp ! They ’s a society of 
Prevention folks up here, and I ’ll hand his name 


122 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


in afore I ’m many days older, or my name ain’t 
spelt John Dolloway ! ” 

^^Will — you — lemme — ’lone ? I’ll — I’ll — ” 
Hereupon Mrs. Beckwith laid her hand upon 
the old man’s arm, and he instantly released his 
hold of the unhappy Humpty-Dumpty.” 

Robert, what did you do ? ” 

— I jest — I — He said — Oh! oh!” 

Silence, my son. Wait till you can collect 
yourself, then answer me.” 

For the space of a few seconds the little boy’s 
sobs and moans continued, then he looked up as 
brightly as if trouble were a thing unknown. 

He said they was room to swing a cat, an’ I was 
a measurin’ to see how much that was ; that ’s 
all.” 

How did you attempt the measurement ? ” 

Why — why — I held her by the tail an’ 
swung her roun’ ; that ’s all.” 

All ! Why did n’t you stop when she yelled 
and you saw it hurt her ? ” demanded Roland, 
severely. 

Why — ’cause.” 

Because what ? ” 

I — I liked ter hear it. It did sound so 
funny. I thought I should laugh myself sick — 
she was so mad ! ” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


123 


Robert, go to your room. You know which it 
is.” Mrs. Beckwith’s voice was stern, and her 
small reprobate immediately prepared to obey it, 
but ‘Unfortunately cast one glance Beatrice-ward, 
and changed his mind. 

She said it was a ‘ retreat ’ when folks was in 
a scrape. I — I bet I ’m in one now ; so I — I ’d 
ruther go to the peace-room, Motherkin,” said the 
child, sweetly. If you are willing. Mother 
dear.” 

Mrs. Beckwith could not restrain a fleeting 
smile, and Roland laughed outright ; but the 
mother’s no ” had always been no,” with no 
sign of wavering about it, and she did not begin 
their new life with any lax discipline, much as she 
would have so preferred. No, Robert. You have 
been cruel, and I cannot excuse you. Remain 
upstairs until I come to you. Now, Mr. Dollo- 
way, please accept my sincerest apologies for this 
unkindness. I do not seek to lessen my little 
boy’s fault, but if you will trust us and leave the 
poor cat here, I am sure I can promise you that 
no such maltreatment will ever be given it 
again.” 

Well, ma’am, I must say you have spoke 
like a lady. An’ I hain’t no wish to be behind- 
hand in my neighborliness. But — though I 


124 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


hain’t no right to mention it, so bein’ ’s you ’re bis 
mother — if that there shaver ain’t born ter be 
hung I ’m mistook.” 

I trust you are mistaken. But come into the 
dining-room, again, please. I should like to have 
you tell me anything you happen to think of 
about our new home. I am so great a stranger to 
the locality that I am as eager as a child to hear 
its history. AYill you not?” 

Thank you, ma’am. I guess not. I just 
stepped across to say if they was anything any of 
us could do for you we was to be notified. Them 
was Mr. Brook’s own words. An’ him an’ her 
both hopes you will rest well an’ find things com- 
fortable. I left a basket of late-keepin’ apples in 
the pantry, an’ I make my good evenin’ s to you, 
ma’am.” 

The door had scarcely closed behind him before 
Bonny began to laugh. You really must let me 
have it out, Motherkin, or I shall be sure to do 
it before Bob. That will make him think lightly 
of his sin. But now you can foresee how delight- 
fully the monotony of our existence will be 
varied by the ^ little episodes ’ between that 
ancient worthy and our small sinner.” 

Beatrice, it is really too miserable an occur- 
rence to jest over.” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


125 


But just sub rosa this way. And I warn 
you, you are deluded into the impression that 
you know your own mind and that you can 
manage your own house. But it will be left 
for Mr. Dolloway to convince you that you do 
not. He takes a lively interest in all his master’s 
schemes, and in us — his latest — particularly. 
He will be the thorn to this rose, the rod of cor- 
rection to our careless lives. Fortunately in this 
case not like master is the man. Well, I’ll 
clear away the tea-things now ; ” and Beatrice 
departed kitchenward to put on a big apron. 

Isabelle proffered her assistance, but it was 
laughingly declined as not available.” No, 
dear, not to-night. You ’re company, and I am 
in an angelic mood. You ’d better enjoy it while 
it lasts ; so run out and take another walk with 
the ^ head of the family,’ whom I see strutting 
about over his garden patch as if he were king of 
the whole earth. My big brother is a poet; but 
he is > also a born farmer. He loves the smell of 
the soil, and I know it was the making of him to 
come up here. He’d have grown into a disap- 
pointed, narrow-minded tape-seller if he ’d stayed 
in town always. Now — well, I hardly dare tell 
you all I foresee in my Boland’s future ! ” 

Oh, Bonny ! has n’t all this hard work you 


126 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


have been doing taken the enthusiasm out of you 
yet ? It seems lovely up here, and oh, so peace- 
ful! But isn’t it just a bit too quiet and 
humdrum ? ” 

Trot along, miss 1 To-morrow when I hand 
over the housekeeping to you the humdrumness 
will disappear ! ” 

Why — what do you mean, Beatrice ? ” 

Coming events cast no shadows before in 
this case. When I have finished my dishes. 
Mother will be down again with her youngest in 
a beatific state of mind, looking as sweet and 
innocent as if he had been the sinned against in- 
stead of the sinner ; then I ’ll call you and Roland 
in, and we ’ll talk over everything and arrange a 
fair division of labor.” 

Why, Bonny 1 One would think you had all 
the responsibility of this undertaking, to hear 
you talk ! Is n’t my mother to have a word of 
influence, miss ? ” 

She is to have all the words she wants, but 
none of the work that I can help. Well, I don’t 
mean that exactly ; but wait, and I ’ll tell you 
what I do mean. Now, trot 1 ” 

Thus dismissed, Isabelle joined her brother in 
the garden. To her, at present, it seemed but a 
patch of muddy ground, though to the natural gar- 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


127 


dener who was to labor in it, it already presented 
a picture of thrift and greenness. Think of it, 
Isabelle Beckwith ! A week ago we had not a 
fraction of an acre over which to rule, now we 
have ten whole ones ! I ’m like Motherkin, as 
rich as Croesus ! ” 

I ’in afraid we shall get so sick of it. And 
we have cut loose now from so much that it 
would be hard to get back into even the old, 
modest places we held in the city. One never 
steps down for a moment but somebody else steps 
up into one’s place. As soon as I told the prin- 
cipal of our school that I would have to resign 
mine, she appointed somebody else at once. I 
could not get back the position if I would.” 

^^You must not look backward. Belle. ^Ye 
have done what seems the best for all, what 
certainly will be the best for our mother’s health, 
and that should cover all regrets. Besides, I am 
sure we shall succeed, — in making a living, at 
least. That is all we could have hoped to do if 
we had stayed in town.” 

I don’t know. Nobody can guess how I 
hated to give up my art class! The Professor 
said I would certainly make a name for myself if 
I kept on.” 

Why, Belle ! I did not dream you felt so blue 


128 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


about this change ! And I should like to know 
what is to hinder your ^ making a name ’ for 
yourself here as well as there ? Don’t all the 
artists, the landscape ones anyway, go into the 
country to study ? And as for portraits, where 
can you find more original models than along 
these country lanes ? If you have enough rudi- 
mentary knowledge, and talent, to make your 
teacher express himself like that, you ought to 
be ashamed of yourself if you can’t conquer the 
rest ! ” 

H’m-m. Since when did you become phi- 
losopher ? ” 

^^No matter. You have always laughed at 
my ^ poetical talent ; ’ Bonny has not. But I tell 
you that if there is any real poetry in me, so 
real that it must find expression, it will find it 
here just as certainly as if I were to spend my 
days in study and all my evenings scribbling 
verses.” 

Then you disparage education ? ” 

I begin to think there are different sorts of 
education. One kind I am going to attempt is 
learning the land. I will have to begin at the 
A B C of it, just as I did in reading printed 
stuff. But the earth is printed, too, and by a 
Hand that does nothing in vain. Most boys run 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


129 


away from the country because there is no money 
in it. I am going to hunt for something which 
will beat money.” 

Youth ! my brother ! Just youth. After 
a while I suppose you will find, as old Dollo- 
way says, that ^ money beats sentiment.’” 

Yes — and malaria beats both ! I Ve been 
warned against too much night-dew, if I want to 
keep my health.” 

^^Why, isn’t this a healthful place?” cried 
Isabelle, in quick alarm. If it is n’t we should 
never have brought Mother here ! ” 

It is. Mr. Brook is eighty years old, and he 
has lived here almost all his life. But he spoke 
to me about our being careful, particularly at 
first. He said, and truly, that our health is 
our capital ; and that if we use reasonable precau- 
tion we shall never suffer.” 

Well, I know now that you have grown wise ! 
I cannot remember w^hen I ever heard you mention 
health as a thing to be guarded, — our health, I 
mean. You have been solicitous enough about 
Mother’s, except — ” 

Except in what ? Don’t throw cold water on 
me now, after warming my vanity like that ! ” 

Except when you gave up your situations so 
readily, because your ^ boss ’ ^ sassed ’ you ! ” 

9 


130 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


I think it’s time to go in, Isabelle.” 

So do I. I could n’t have supported any more 
wise remarks ! They sound so — so un-Roland 
like.” 

Hark ! There ’s Bonny calling. Mother and 
the ^ Hopeful ’ have probably come down to the 
‘ peace-room.’ And, do you know I think that ’s 
a mighty pretty fancy of hers ? Let ’s try to 
please her and remember it.” 

All right. I ’ll try ; but I ’m not a bit 
perfect ! ” 

Roland forbore the retort that rose to his lip. 
Just at present he was still in the first glow of 
his incipient manhood, when the idea of being the 
head of the family ” had a charm of pride and 
importance about it that made trifles of heavy 
burdens. Isabelle wondered how long his ease- 
loving temperament would endure the strain of 
actual labor and hardship which would inevitably 
be laid upon it ; but still, like Beatrice, she saw 
a change in Roland, and she could but believe that 
he had come unto his own ” in coming to dwell 
in the wide, beautiful country. 

Well, you dreamers ! Here have Motherkin 
and the bad ones been sitting for full five min- 
utes, waiting for you to come in. We are to 
hold a conclave of forces and decide upon the 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


131 


tactics of this camp ! Hi ! there ! brother Bob ! 
Does that sound warlike enough for you ? I 
motion Mother takes the Chair ! All in favor — 
Aye ! ’’ 

My daughter, I decline all posts purely hon- 
orary ! You may be Chairman of the occasion ; 
for whether we will or no, you will he bound to 
have the most to say ! 

Now, Motherkin ! But Roland knows, as 
well as I, what we have thought. Let him 
tell our plans, and if they agree with yours, all 
right ; if not, we ’ll hear whatever amendments 
the house has to offer.” 

^^What you talkin’ ’bout?” asked Robert, 
sleepily. 

Exactly. Roland, be™, please.” 

Where?” 

On the money question, of course.” 

Well, the first expense we shall have to meet 
is for garden tools and some sort of a wagon. 
Mr. Brook has an old horse for which he has little 
use, and he will be glad to have us use it for 
a while, and pay him nothing but its keep.” 

My son, we must try to stand upon our own 
feet. We are not to depend upon Mr. Brook as if 
we had no independence at all. There is a small 
sum of money, you know, — a few hundred dol- 


132 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


lars. We are to use all of it that is necessary in 
making this experiment a success. Go on, dear.'’ 

As much as is necessary, Motherkin, but no 
more. This is no especial benevolence on our 
patron’s part. He is as good and generous as 
he can be, but he is also wise. He w^ants us to 
keep our self-respect and his, at the same time. 
Well, this way of getting the use of a horse is 
quite common among country people. I have in- 
quired and satisfied myself that it is so. He 
hasn’t a cow to work for its keep, so that we 
shall have to buy. But — ” 

Oh, Boland, you are so slow ! Listen to me, 
Motherkin ! I, Beatrice Beckwith, who never 
earned a penny in her life — but once, a flower- 
girling ! — am going to be one of the bread-win- 
ners ! True, true, true ! ” 

Why, Bonny ! what do you mean ? And 
how happy you seem ! ” 

^^Well, I should think I am happy! Wasn’t 
I the very bottom and beginning of this whole 
country business ? Did n’t I go a talking to my 
dear old gentleman, and did n’t he fall in with 
the country notion, hot foot ? Then it rests on me 
to make the thing a ^ go ; ’ and I mean to do it.” 
It rests upon us all equally, Beatrice.” 

^^Well, I have a situation. I am a private 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


133 


secretary, if you please ! — I mean, if you will 
please ! That was why I was so anxious to 
shorten up the music practice and take the other 
lessons at the Y. W. C. A. rooms during the last 
three months. Mr. Brook divulged the scheme 
to me in one of his letters, which you did n’t 
ask to see and I did n’t offer to show you. And 
we have kept it a secret from you on purpose to 
be a delightful surprise to you now. I am to have 
a dollar a day for my services. Think of that 1 
I, the harum-scarum, am going to settle down 
into a regular money-grubber.” 

Why does he need a private secretary ? ” de- 
manded Isabelle, rather anxiously. 

To help him put his collection of bugs and 
things into shape. You must know that our Mr. 
Chidly Brook is a known naturalist, — the one 
whose papers we have liked so much, over the 
signature of ^ Windsor.’ ” 

Is it possible ? ” 

True. He is the most modest of men, though, 
and he never speaks of his work as anything but 
insignificant. However, he has been appealed to, 
on behalf of some museum in Boston, to allow 
them to buy his collection when he has done with 
it. Of course, he is n’t going to do that ; he will 
give it to them, instead ; but he is going to put it 


134 


AMONG THE LINDEN'S. 


into first-class order first, as if it were n’t now ! 
and I am to make catalogues, take down notes, 
do anything and everything which will aid him. 
Now — don’t all speak at once ! ” 

The mother opened her lips to express her 
praise, but her first words were drowned in a 
series of knockings as sudden as imperative. 
Rat-a-tat-tat ! Tum-tum-tum ! ” 

For goodness’ sake ! Who can be coming to 
visit us ! At this hour, too ! ” 

But when Roland reached the door and opened 
it, there was not a person to be seen. The moon- 
light fell in a broad sheet across the threshold and 
illuminated the sloping lawn before it. 
Rat-a-tat-tat ! ” 

The sounds came from that side of the house. 
There was no doubting that, and Bonny joined 
her brother in the search. 

But though they tried both front and rear doors, 
even the little side porch which led to the eastern 
rooms, there was no intruder visible, and they re- 
turned to the place they had left, only to hear the 
strange summons repeated almost continually for a 
full half-hour; after which, too disturbed to dis- 
cuss their plans any further that night, the elder 
brother lifted the sleeping Robert from his corner 
of the hearth-rug, and followed the rest upstairs. 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


185 


All night, at varying intervals, the uncanny 
rappings were repeated, till even the sensible 
mother began to feel that there was something 
supernatural about them, and to speculate if this 
were the reason that the former residents had 
found the house unsuitable and vacated it in such 
disgust. 

But Roland sighed for a gun ; and at midnight, 
arming himself with a fishing-rod and a broom, he 
determined to descend to the peace-room ” and 
stand guard till morning. 

There, presently, the weary lad went sound 
asleep ; to awake startled by the apparition of a 
white-clad figure before him, and to hear the 
sibilant whisper, ^^How — do — you— -like — to 
— live — in — a — haunted — house ? ” 


CHAPTER XI. 


MISS JOANNA. 

did I frighten you? Don’t — for 
V_>/ mercy’s sake ! don’t hit me ! Why — 
it ’s I — Bonny ! ” 

^^Well! I should think you might be better 
employed 1 Why did n’t you stay in your own 
room ? ” 

Could n’t sleep. Why did n’t you ? ” 

^^Same reason. Besides, if the household is in 
danger I am the one to defend it. Go to bed.” 

I am the one to help you. Are n’t you glad 
we did n’t try to sleep over here alone, as we 
wanted to ? I wonder if Mr. Brook knows any- 
thing about this ! He would not allow us, do you 
reniember ? He said we would be more comfort- 
able at their home, even after we had gotten the 
beds set up.” 

I do not think he knew. I am sure if he did 
he would have warned us. Hark ! There it goes 
again ! It is — it certainly is just by that west 
door. It sounds as if it came from the earth.” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


137 


It sounds as if it came from everywhere. 

‘ Black spirits and white 
Eed spirits and gray ’ — 

Oh ! How my flesh creeps ! Is n’t it a perfectly 
delightfully thrilling sensation ? 

I have had dreams, but not of this, 

That I should share the wondrous bliss 
Of meeting ghostses in the air, 

And have them set on end my hair — 

That last line is rather faulty. It ’s lost a foot or 
a leg — Oh, my ! Hark ! ” 

Bonny ! ” 

Yes, ma^am.” 

Who is down there with you ? ” 

Nobody. I ’m down here with Roland. The 
honor of this exploit is his.” 

Come up to bed, both of you. You ’ll take 
cold.” 

^^Oh! we’re all gooseflesh now, both of us. 
But Roland is dressed, and so am I; that is — 
partly.” 

We can do nothing about this matter to-night. 
I will see Mr. Brook to-morrow and get an expla- 
nation. Else we will make a business of investi- 
gation for ourselves. Come, both of you, at 
once.” 


138 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Motherkin’s voice sounds kind of chattery, 
toOj doesn’t it? But we had better mind her 
promptly. Good-night.” 

What’s the use of going to bed, Mother? 
Cannot I sit up?” pleaded Roland, as he reached 
the upper landing of the stairs. 

You will be asleep in five minutes, if you 
make up your mind to it. The noises have con- 
tinued now for some hours, and nobody is the 
worse for them. Good-night.” 

It was a rather serious party which gathered 
about the breakfast-table, for even to nineteenth- 
century folk the idea of living in a haunted 
house ” had its drawbacks. But as nothing had 
been known of the night’s disturbance by little 
Robert, nothing was now mentioned in his pres- 
ence, and the talk took up again the interrupted 
division of labor.” 

Roland is to be the farmer, of course. He is to 
raise as much as he can in his little greenhouse, 
or cold frame it will be this spring. Oh ! I for- 
got, I did n’t mean to tell his part for him. Fire 
ahead yourself, Roland ! ” 

For a young lady who has been promoted to 
a private secretaryship, you are not over-choice in 
your language, Beatrice.” 

Excuse me, Motherkin, I ’ll try. But it 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


139 


seems so long to wait before you know all we 
have thought out.” 

Yes,” said Roland, our friends think I can 
sell a good deal of green stuff. Mr. Brook has 
lent me lots of books on ^gardening for profit,’ 
and his gardener has told me more. He, the 
gardener, has offered to teach me by overseeing 
my work, and I shall be very grateful to him.” 

He ’s a cranky old soul. Mother. I wonder 
Roland has the patience to endure his ^you 
musts ’ and ^ you must nots ; ’ I could n’t.” 

No, I should expect little endurance from 
you — in the patience line, my daughter. That ’s 
your rock of stumbling.” 

Never you mind. Mother. I ’m going to 
blast it out of the way with the dynamite of 
hard work. See if I don’t ! Proceed, Roland.” 

Miss Joanna says that in such a busy house- 
hold even the youngest is sure to want to do 
something ; so what do you think she has planned 
for you. Bob ? ” 

I dunno. I — I ain’t sufferin’ ter do no work. 
I — I ’d ruther fish an’ go swimmin’.” 

Yes ; but this is a co-operative establish- 
ment. Every member must contribute some- 
thing to the general support. Your share is to 
be — eggs! ” 


140 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Eggs ! I ain’t no hen. I can’t lay no eggs, 
can I?” 

You can study grammar and take care of 
poultry at the same time. Miss Brook has a 
famous stock of poultry. It is one of her amuse- 
ments ; but she is going to start you o:ff with a 
few ordinary fowls, and see how you manage 
them. Then, if you are industrious, after you 
have paid for the first ones, she will let you have 
a better lot. I am to repair the old poultry- 
house, down at the foot of the barnyard, and 
you are to do the rest. I suppose, at first, mother 
would be as willing to buy her eggs and chickens 
of you as of anybody else. What do you say ? ” 

I say — I say — I dunno. I — well, I guess 
I’ll let her.” 

See here, ^ Humpty-Dump’ ! It just begins to 
dawn upon me that you are a spoiled child. Mr. 
Dolloway has remarked so several times, and I 
have indignantly denied it. I hope you will be a 
little gentleman to Miss Brook, no matter whether 
your business ideas differ from hers or not. She 
is coming here very soon, and I don’t want her to 
think my Bob is anything less perfect than I have 
painted him.” 

^^H’m-m. Don’t that Mr. Dolloway man live to 
her house ? ” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


141 


Yes ; certainly. Why ? ” 

Then they ain’t no use. He ’s told her the 
hull cat an’ checker-board story ’fore this time. 
I guess I won’t need to bother an’ behave no 
diff’runt from every day. She would n’t believe 
me if I did. She ’d be a ’spectin’ I ’d do some- 
thin’ naughty all the time. She would n’t have 
no conf’ dunce in a feller after that man has 
talked to her.” 

Pooh ! Is that all the courage you have ? If 
I were you I ’d show her that the old gentleman 
was mistaken. I ’d take her chickens an’ say, 
^ Thank you.’ I ’d set every mother biddy on a 
pile of fresh eggs, and I ’d have little downy 
chickens running all around. I ’d teach the 
hens to respect me and come to me every time 
I called them; and I’d make my Motherkin 
think she had the smartest little boy in Orange 
County, which is where you live now, my 
dear! ” 

‘^Is it? Would you. Bon?” 

I would 1 ” 

^^Wull — wull — I guess you’re ’most always 
square. An’ I will. I ’ll let Miss Brook be good 
ter me if she wants ter.” 

Magnanimous soul ! Now, Isabelle. I — I 
dread to glance your way.” 


142 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Why ? I thought that Eoland was going to 
tell us the rest of the planning. You are a great 
monopolist. Bonny.” 

I am silent ; I say no more.” 

Well, Eoland ? What is my share ? ” 

You are to be housekeeper. To stay with 
mother and take the home-work from her 
hands.” 

There was a moment of really anxious waiting. 

Bonny has always been the house-worker,” said 
the elder girl, at length. Why should she not 
continue and let me go as secretary to Mr. Brook ? 
I took a course of typewriting before she did, if 
you T1 remember. I don’t like housework, and I 
shall make a botch of it. I shall worry mother 
more than help her.” 

I wish I could do both ! ” cried Beatrice, with 
her impulsive generosity. And I can, some of 
it. You hate dish-washing the worst of any part. 
Well, leave the dishes till I get home at night and 
I will do them then. So you can get more time 
for your painting.” 

Mrs. Beckwith said nothing. She waited to let 
the two settle the matter between themselves if 
they could ; but she was quite ready with the 
decisive word should it need to be spoken. 

No ; we must be more fair than that. If 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


143 


you do the housework I must do the writing ; or 
vice versa, I do not see what difference it makes, 
why he should mind the change ; and you keep 
mother in better spirits than I do.” 

Bonny opened her lips, blushed, and said noth- 
ing. Yet Roland came to her aid very promptly. 
He loved both of his sisters better than many 
lads would have been willing to confess, but 
Bonny was his other self. Though they were 
always bandying jests with each other, they had 
never had a really angry word. Isabelle, while 
being far more ladylike and quiet, was also much 
more selfish ; and Roland had suffered from this 
fault of hers more than once. He was not sorry, 
therefore, to be able to defend his favorite and 
discipline Belle at the same time. I ’ll tell you 
what difference it makes. Mr. Brook loves 
Bonny best. Yes, he has told me that he really 
loves her. They have a community of tastes. 
You know she was always fond of studying nat- 
ural history when she had a chance, and when 
people are en rapport it makes everything else 
easy. With you it would be a real task for him 
to dictate and direct. It would be just as hard 
for you. But with Bonny it will seem almost like 
play, — to him, at least. I only hope he won’t 
keep my sister too long at her work. He may 


144 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


forget that she is not as enthusiastic as him- 
self.^’ 

But — began Isabelle. 

^^But — Mr. Brook has made his own choice. 
We owe him for much kindness. There is noth- 
ing more to be said about it,” said Mrs. Beckwith, 
rising. Here comes a lady walking. Is it your 
^Miss Joanna,’ children?” 

Yes, oh ! yes ! Look at her, before she 
spies us watching. Is n’t she a sweet old lady ? 
Is n’t she the lady of your chrysanthemum 
dream ? ” 

Over the lawn where the grass was just spring- 
ing into greenness came the tall, graceful figure, 
which despite its seventy-odd years was still as 
straight as Isabelle’s, who, looking curiously, re- 
membered her brother’s words of the evening 
before, If you want models, where can you find 
them better than here ? ” 

Ah ! indeed. Miss J oanna would be a model fit 
to inspire a genius ! Her face was like the tint of 
a late blush rose, frost-faded. Her eyes were 
dark, her mouth firm and sweet, and her snowy 
hair, parted on either side her temples, framed 
them in silver. On her head she wore a big 
gray hat, tied primly under her chin, and over 
the soft gray morning-gown a shawl of the same 





“WULL, BE YOU THE EGG WOMAN 



AMONG THE LINDENS. 


145 


neutral tint, which clothed — not hung upon — 
her shoulders. But it was the expression of her 
countenance that captivated them all, even the 
matter-of-fact Robert. 

Mindful of past advice, the youngster slipped 
down from his place, set the door wide, and 
advancing held out his crumby hand. Wull, 
be you the egg woman ? I’m very glad to see 
you. Come right in. We’ve just done eatin’ 
breakfas’. This is Motherkin, an’ these is the 
rest of us.” 

You are Robert ! No need to tell me that ! ” 
responded the visitor, smiling, and not refusing 
the proffered handshake, though she looked regret- 
fully at her soiled glove the second afterward. 

I have heard of you, and the pleasure of 
acquaintance is mutual. Good morning, Mrs. 
Beckwith — Isabelle — Roland, and my girl. I 
hope you have rested well.” 

Good morning. Will you sit down here, or 
come into the other room ? My Beatrice has 
scarcely told us which is ^ best-room ’ as yet. 
They all seem so fine and comfortable to 
us.” 

I ’m glad of that. I was afraid you might 
find them small; but it does indeed look very 
bright and cheery. Anywhere ; here, if you like. 

10 


146 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


We are so very glad to have you for neighbors, I 
could not defer any longer to come and bid you 
welcome. Does the house please you ? ” 

It pleases me perfectly. But, since you ask 
if we rested well, I must tell you our strange 
experience;” and she very briefly narrated the 
unaccountable knockings. 

Miss Brook listened curiously, with the utmost 
astonishment depicted on her countenance. The 
current of her thoughts was not particularly flat- 
tering to Mrs. Beckwith’s common-sense, had it 
been known, but of course it was not ; nor did 
anybody observe the interest with which Robert 
received his first intimation of what had occurred. 

^^Well, I have never heard anything like it, 
and, of a certainty, it must have some rational 
explanation. What that may be we will find as 
soon as possible.” 

^^Now, Miss Brook, do let us believe it’s 
haunted ! ” cried Bonny, coaxingly. It ’s so 
delightful and uncommon in America. I feel 
just like a heroine this morning.” 

You look like one, my dear, with those shin- 
ing eyes and pink cheeks. You may be tired, 
but you are physically better than when you 
came a week ago. But ghosts ! Oh, no ! we 
have no ghosts in New Windsor.” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 147 

Still they ’re so inspiring ! ” said Bonny, with 
a comical glance at Boland. 

Yes, dear Miss Joanna, will you believe that 
my matter-of-fact sister came down into the 
dining-room in the middle of the night, listened 
to the Wrappings,’ and immediately burst into 
rhyme ? Shall I repeat, Beatrice ? ” 

At the peril of your life ! Beg pardon, Miss 
Brook. I will not talk any more, at present.” 

I like to hear you, my child, I like to hear 
you. It does old ears good to listen to youthful 
chatter. I ’m sure it ’s better than hearing much 
that is said which may be more sensible.” 

Everybody smiled. Bonny most demurely ; and 
the mother understood at once what was the 
bond of sympathy between these two bright 
maidens, — one at the end of life, the other at 
its beginning. I think, my dear, that you have 
been charmingly answered. But, Miss Brook, 
what do you imagine to be the cause of our 
disturbance? Have you any theory?” 

No, none. I am not a theoretical person. 
I leave all that to my brother. However, I ’ll 
send a man over to help Roland look about. 
Master Robert, I suppose that your brother has 
mentioned to you my plan for your helping the 
others of this self-helpful family, has he not ? ” 


148 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


What, ma’am ? ” asked the little boy, quite at 
a loss to understand. 

Oh, I forget ! I am not used to talking with 
small people. Has Roland told you about the 
hens ? ” 

Yes, ’m. When can I have ’em ? ” 

Just as soon as the poultry-house is repaired, 
and the pickets on the fence. It will not do for 
them to run about anywhere they please, for that 
would be to ruin this fine garden that is to be.” 

But there are few seeds in it yet. Miss Brook. 
Will it make any difference so ? ” 

Yes, my farmer. If the hens are not trained 
as they should be in the beginning, they will cer- 
tainly go astray ; in which they are exactly like 
little boys — and gray-haired girls,” said Miss 
Joanna, smiling down upon the small lad, who 
had remained close beside her from the moment 
of her arrival, but who seemed neither to disturb 
her nor to wish to do so; which, to his family, 
was inexplicable. 

Let ’s go see how much will have to be ’paired. 
Will you?” 

With pleasure, if your mother is willing.” 

^^Oh, she don’t care, do you, Motherkin ? ’ness 
we break our necks.” 

I do not intend to break mine. I have n’t 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


149 


done with it yet/’ returned Miss Brook gayly, 
and left the house with her crisp, clean step, that 
somehow made Beatrice think of everything pure 
and sweet. 

Is n’t she lovely, Mother ? Here, let me get 
your bonnet and you go with them. It will be 
safer, on Bob’s account, and you are to begin this 
very morning to take the doctor’s prescription, 
^ Live out of doors all that you can.’ Here is a 
hat, dear, — no matter if it is mine ; and I declare 
you are almost as pretty as — Miss Joanna.” 

You sauce-box ! You deserve that I should 
not kiss you ! But I will. How delightful the 
air is ! How good it is to be here ! ” Mrs. Beck- 
with’s careworn face lighted with glad thanks- 
giving, and with a wave of her hand to her 
daughters on the wide porch she stepped briskly 
down the path her guest had followed. 

But she had not gone more than a dozen yards 
when her feet were arrested by Kobert’s shrill 
cry; a cry of such distress and fear that her 
heart stood still in dread. Then, mindless of 
physician’s orders, she bounded forward franti- 
cally. The river — I’m sure he ’s drowned ! ” 


CHAPTER XII. 


BITS OF NATURAL HISTORY. 

OBERT I where are you ? ” 

Ja^ H-lie-re, Moth-er ! ” 

Here proved to be upon the sloping roof of 
the little poultry-house, where the child looked 
safe and rather ridiculous in his fright ; and re- 
lieved of one anxiety, Mrs. Beckwith passed 
through the building toward the yard beyond in 
pursuit of Miss Brook. 

Why, what is the matter ? ’’ 

Snakes ! That ’s all. A nest of black snakes. 
I ’m trying to kill them.” Miss Joanna was, 
indeed, laying about her lustily with a heavy 
stick she had seized, and her delicate face was 
flushed with excitement. 

But they ’ll bite you ! My dear madam, do 
come away I ” Poor Mrs. Beckwith herself was 
thrilled with fear, as her eyes fell upon the tangle 
of writhing, sinuous creatures to whom her neigh- 
bor was dealing destruction so vigorously. 

Oh, no, indeed ! Not until I have made an 
end of them 1 Robby was terribly frightened. 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


151 


though he had no cause to be. I ’ve finished two, 
I ’ll have done presently. There ! don’t let that 
one get away, please ! ” 

The reptile was crawling sluggishly toward the 
spot where Mrs. Beckwith stood, and, with a 
scream that closely resembled her son’s, she leaped 
aside and retreated through the doorway. 

Miss Joanna looked up in unfeigned surprise, 
and for a moment relaxed her murderous labor. 

Why, are you afraid of these creatures ? ” 
Af-ra-id ! Of course — I am ! ” 

They are harmless. You need not be.” 
Harmless ! Why, then — ” 

Do I destroy them ? My statement must be 
qualified. They can hurt no person and they are 
timid ; but they infest poultry-houses, steal eggs, 
make trouble in the dairy, and altogether accom- 
plish so much more injury than benefit to a house- 
hold that I think them best dead. My brother 
would not agree with me. He says they pay for 
their depredations by ridding us of meaner crea- 
tures. He would be quite distressed at my pres- 
ent action ; only — ” And the lady laughed lightly. 

He has already as large a collection of reptiles 
as he should have. The sight of them terrifies 
nearly everybody, as these have you.” 

The city woman could scarce believe her own 


152 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


ears ; that anybody occupied as Miss Brook was 
at that moment could go on complacently giving 
a dissertation on the merits and demerits of so 
obnoxious an animal was amazing. Finally she 
found voice to inquire, Are they plentiful here- 
about ? ” 

Oh ! yes. But these are the first I have seen 
this spring/' answered Miss Joanna, cheerfully. 

am always glad for one reason to meet my 
first snake. I’m pretty sure of warm weather 
coming. These have just crawled out of their 
winter quarters, somewhere near, and have been 
sunning themselves in this shallow pool of water. 
If they had been in usual activity, I should have 
had a chase to capture them. Poor things ! 
that’s the end.” 

Be they all dead, every single one ? ” de- 
manded Kobert from his slippery perch. 

I think so ; you can come down now.” 

He did so rather gingerly, lifting his feet very 
high when he stepped upon the moist earth of the 
poultry yard, and almost expecting to see a small 
head arise beneath his every footprint. You ’re 
a awful funny lady. Miss Brook.” 

^^Why so, dear?” asked that person, continu- 
ing her examination of the place and mentally 
determining the cost of the needed repairs. 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


153 


’Cause you ’re sorry for things, yet you keep 
on a killin’ ’em, an’ ’cause you ain’t afraid of 
snakes. I never saw any before, ’cept up to the 
park, in the menagerie. I — I — ” He paused, 
looked anxiously toward his mother, thrust his 
hands in his pockets, turned quite red in the face, 
and finally blurted out : I ain’t a goin’ to keep 
no hen things, I ain’t.” 

Why, Eobert ! ” and Why, Robert ? ” fell 
from both women’s lips at the same instant. 

Because, an’ — ’cause, I — I know it sounds 
awful cowardy, but I don’t like snakes, an’ there 
ain’t no use pertendin’ I do. I would n’t dast to 
come here alone.” 

Is it possible ! The boy who boasts he is 
afraid of nothing ! ” 

Wull — wull — you see. Why, Mother, 
you ’re afraid yourself ! You must know how it 
seems. If one should bite your little boy, how 
dretful bad you’d feel! Wouldn’t you?” 

I suppose I should. But Miss Brook has just 
told us that these snakes are harmless. And I 
am not a boy. I ’m only a woman, you know.” 

That’s so. Wull — I — I s’pose I will. I 
said I would, an’ I ain’t a goin’ to lie, nohow.” 

That is right ! That is fine 1 ” cried Miss 
Joanna, impulsively. A little lad who has a 


154 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


love of the truth so strong that it will overcome 
personal fear is the sort of boy for me ! ” Then 
she went on to explain so clearly to the child all 
the habits of the hated reptiles now lying dead in 
the yard of Robert’s own poultry-house ” that 
he became intensely interested. 

Wull, if a snake, just a nasty black snake, 
has got such a lot of inf rusting things about it, 
I s’ pose rabbits an’ such fellers must have a heap 
more. Don’t they ? ” 

I should say they did ! And you must ask 
my brother all about any sort of living creature 
you wish to become acquainted with, and he will 
be delighted to tell you. He is a very wise man, 
for all he is so quiet about it.” 

Does he know ’bout hens ? ” 

Everything, I fancy, though he likes snakes 
better. Wild things are more to his notion than 
tame ones. Now I am ready to tell your big 
brother just what must be done here, and if he 
can manage to get the place fixed to-day you can 
begin your poultry business to-morrow. Now is 
just the time to make a pleasant and profitable 
comm encement . ’ ’ 

Why?” 

Because it is ^ sitting time.’ Every mother 
biddy in the flock, or nearly every one, is now 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


155 


thinking about her coming family, and wanting 
to ' sit.’ ” 

Does hens think ?” 

My son, you must not tire Miss Brook with 
your questions. Ask some of us, who understand 
you better ; and we will try to answer, as wisely 
as we know, though I begin to think our igno- 
rance is mountainous, about country life at 
least.” 

No, no ; I beg, dear Mrs. Beckwith ! Don’t 
discourage inquisitiveness of this sort, not on 
my account. I am a lonely old woman who will 
be as glad to answer questions as a genuine boy 
is to ask them. I like it, please.” 

The mother smiled gratefully. As for Kobert, 
he slipped his hand again into his new friend’s, 
and looked up into her face encouragingly. 
“ That ’s a nice lady ! And I ’ll be good ; I ’ll 
ask you every single thing I can think of.” 

Before that summer was over it seemed to 
poor Miss Joanna that he had fully redeemed 
his word ; and yet the days on which this living 
interrogation point was out of her sight grew to 
be the loneliest days the gentle old lady knew. 

Mr. Brook was as much at a loss to understand 
the mysterious rappings that had so disturbed his 
new tenants’ peace during their first night at The 


156 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Lindens, as was anybody else ; but he set himself 
to examine every part of the house and grounds, 
and, like his sister, declared his faith in a rational 
explanation of the occurrence. 

It was left to Mr. Dolloway to solve the riddle, 
He had, to Mrs. Beckwith’s relief and Robert’s 
disgust, declared his intention of passing the fol- 
lowing night in the old house, and, should the 
disturbing noises be repeated, searching for the 
cause till he found it. In his own words : I ’ll 
find the spirits or I ’ll be a spirit myself ! ” 

That sounds large and reassuring, does n’t 
it ! ” remarked Bonny to Belle. I can imagine 
Mr. Dolloway in the condition of hunger neces- 
sary to make him ^ spiritual.’ For his sake 
and our own, I hope success will crown his efforts 
before he gets to the verge of starvation.” 

The evening passed without any manifesta- 
tions.” Roland twanged his banjo for the amuse- 
ment of their self-invited guest, Isabelle brought 
out her portfolio of drawings, Beatrice made char- 
acter sketches of the different persons present, and 
so aptly that Robert remained in a hilarious con- 
dition that precluded his feeling any of the fear 
he had expected ; and by nine o’clock, tired out 
with another day of settling,” the whole family 
retired to their chambers. 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


157 


Save and except Mr. Dolloway. I will not 
lie down nor shut an eye, lad ; there is n’t any 
use of urging me. I ’ve come over here to ferret 
out this thing, an’ I ’ll ferret it wide awake an’ 
dressed.” With that he settled himself in the 
most comfortable chair in the room, put his feet 
upon the fender, and in five minutes was sound 
asleep. 

Bonny heard his snores as she lay awake in 
her bed, and laughed ; then she heard something 
which did not add to her mirth. She had brought 
the kitchen poker with her, and, armed thus 
valiantly, she rose and summoned Roland. Let’s 
be as still as mice, I think the rest are all asleep, 
and we ’ll steal a march on them and Brother 
Dolloway as well. Listen to him, will you ? he 
quite out-rackets the ^ spirits.’ ” 

Mrs. Beckwith silently joined the company, and 
when the three met on the stairs, each expressed 
surprise that the other had not gone quietly to 
sleep as usual, and each was attired exactly as 
during the day. Mrs. Beckwith bore the tradi- 
tional weapon of womankind, a broom ; and when 
Belle added her presence to the others, she was 
likewise equipped. 

At the door of the sitting-room somebody 
dropped her article of defence with such a 


158 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


clatter that Mr. Dolloway sprang from his chair, 
angrily demanding: ^^What in the world do 
you mean coming into a man's room in this 
way, without warning ? " Then recollecting him- 
self, he laughed at his own blunder, and changed 
his question to, Why did you get up when there 
has been no rapping ? ” 

But, excuse me, there has been rapping, 
even louder than last night," responded 
Beatrice, shivering a little. 

What 's that ? Have n’t I been here all the 
time ? If the thumps had come don’t you s’pose 
I ’d ’a’ heard ’em ? ’’ 

Possibly you fell asleep.’’ 

Fell asleep ! H’m-m. When I set out to 
watch, I watch ! ’’ 

But — ’’ 

Rat-a-tat, a-tat ! The unseen disturbers of the 
peace interfered to prevent any further misunder- 
standing between the volunteer protector and the 
protected. 

Mr. Dolloway held up his hand for silence. 
Again the sounds were repeated, this time with 
redoubled force it seemed to the strained ears of 
the listeners. 

The next they knew the old man was back in 
his armchair, laughing violently and swaying to 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


159 


and fro in liis paroxysm of mirth. Ha, ha, ha ! 
That’s the best joke I ever heard, the very 
best. And to think Mr. Brook himself didn’t 
guess at it ! ” 

Well, but what is it ? ” 

Don’t you know ? Hark ! ” 

Even Mrs. Beckwith began to lose patience 
with what seemed to her ill-timed mirth, and 
replied with conviction, Of course we do not 
know or we should have disturbed nobody to 
inform us.” 

Your pardon, ma’am. I really s’ pose you don’t 
know, bein’ brought up in the city, so to speak. 
Well, ma’am, my opinion o’ them sounds is: what 
master would call mephitis^ what common folks 
name — skunks.” 

Nobody said anything for a moment ; and see- 
ing the look of astonishment upon the faces about 
him, as well as hearing the thump, thump,” 
continued, Mr. Dolloway explained : The mephi- 
tis — I learn my names from Mr. Brook, because 
he says the other ones are ^ local,’ an’ not spoke 
everywhere, — the mephitis is a burrowin’ animal. 
They was a nest of snakes woke up in the hen- 
yard, Miss Brook told me this morning, and 
they ’s a nest of the other fellows woke up under 
your door-sill, or, maybe, under that big flat 


160 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


stun used for a step. The noise is made by their 
tails a flap-fiap-flapping against the hard ground 
or sunthin’. They won’t do any harm there till 
morning, and then I ’ll get the men to have ’em 
rousted out. They ’ll have to be shot ; an’ now 
you all might as well go to bed again.” 

Will not you go upstairs, too, Mr. Dolloway ? 
There is an extra room, you know ; and I should 
feel proud to be able to entertain anybody over 
night, after having to economize space as I did 
in our ^ flat.’ ” 

The guest consented, and everybody was soon 
asleep, satisfied that Mr. Dolloway’ s explanation 
was probably the correct one, unromantic as it 
proved to be. 

To think my ^ haunt ’ turned out to be so 
perfectly horrid ! It ’s cured me of superstition, 
anyway ! ” sighed Beatrice, as she kissed her 
mother good-night. One by one my dreams 
forsake me ; one by one — ” 

You ’d best get to bed as soon as possible.” 
Oh, Motherkin ! not even poetry allowed ? ” 
Not at this hour of the night, for working 
girls.” And the candle was blown out. 


CHAPTER XIII. 


GETTING DOWN TO KEALITIES. 

T X 7ELL, Mother dear, I’m off! Please 
V V wish me good luck I ” 

I wish you patience and wisdom. These will 
bring the only sort of ^ luck ’ worth having.” 

But I dread it so I” 

Why, Beatrice ! Dread beginning your work 
for Mr. Brook ? I thought you were very happy 
about it.” 

So I am, in one way. I love him dearly 
already, I do, indeed. That is why I shall feel 
so anxious to please him exactly ; and since I 
have been with l^m more I find he is rather — 
well, sort of — um-m — particular, you know ! 
And I — I never could do anything alike twice. 
I ’m excellent for spurts of energy and hap-hazard 
industry, but the regular, day-after-day, early-in- 
the-morning, late-at-night kind is what will try 
my soul.” 

And Isabelle is grieving herself half-sick over 
the ^ drudgery ’ of housework ! After all, I wish 
11 


162 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


that our good friend had not been quite so ex- 
plicit in his desires ; for you don’t object to what 
tries Belle’s spirits, and she could do the mechan- 
ical part of your labor as well as you ; the type- 
writing and note-taking, I mean.” 

Well, dear, it can’t be helped. Even you, I 
fancy, don’t find country housekeeping quite a 
picnic. It ’s so much easier to run to the corner 
bakery for a loaf of bread than to make it one’s 
self. Oh ! your girl has seen that wrinkly look 
come on your face, Motherkin, lots of times during 
this last week ; and — Dear, are you sorry we 
came ? ” 

‘^No, — no, indeed! Not in the least. lam 
foolishly sorry that I cannot make everything 
smooth for you all. It is up-hill work getting 
into a settled way of living ; but the Beckwiths 
/ never say die,’ and a little more patience is all 
any of us need, except Boland. He, it seems to 
me, is in no want of more. He is an example to 
me, and a revelation. He, certainly, has found 
his right place ; and it should be all the reward 
any of his womenkind could desire to know that. 
I never saw a love of the country and all appertain- 
ing to it so marked in anybody. Listen to him now, 
whistling away 1 He has broken his plough ; but 
instead of losing his temper over it he has gone 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


163 


to work to ‘ tinker ’ it np the best he can. And 
his poor hands, unused to manual labor, are blis- 
tered so that it must give him physical pain every 
time he touches anything. Oh, no, I cannot be 
sorry that we came.” 

Bless the dear old Laureate ! I ’ll pattern 
after him if I can. But — it is n’t all rose-color, 
is it ? ” 

Sit down here one moment ; you have five to 
spare. I want to remind you that though our 
Mr. Brook is so delightful and seems so young, 
he is still an old, old man. Be very gentle with 
him, even if he should get impatient and say 
sharp things to you. I do not know that he 
will; I only suggest what is liable to happen. 
Will you try to put your own impatience out of 
the question, dear ? ” 

I ’ll leave it at home with you, Motherkin. 
I ’ll be perfectly angelic, if I can. And I ’m 
going to say, ^ A dollar a day, six dollars a 
week ! ’ to myself, continually. That ’s going to 
be my rock of salvation, Motherkin ! Six dollars 
a week for a whole year will be over three hundred 
dollars toward our home ! And we ’re all agreed 
on that. We all look forward to the day when 
we can go to Mr. Brook and say, ^ Please, sir, 
we ’d like to buy The Lindens V Oh ! I ’m not 


164 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


afraid now ; and I ’m getting as mercenary as a 
Jew.” 

H’m-m ! No comparisons. And I foresee that 
the money part will soon be the last in your mind 
as connected with your labor. However, time ’s 
up ! Off with you ! ” 

One moment more, Mother kin. What are 
you doing with that thing?” 

‘Ht is a rude little frame I tacked together to 
fade some embroidery silk upon.” 

Fade silk? Why?” 

Because I have none of the right shade for 
the work I have in hand ; so the sunshine is to 
help me out. I will wund the threads from these 
spools about the frame, then place it in the sun- 
shine — by that south window, I think — till it 
pales to the right tint.” 

H’m-m ! If I could only run into the art store 
and buy you the right sort without all this 
trouble ! ” 

I ’d rather have this fine light for my task 
than anything out of the art store, dearie. And 
I am so much stronger than when I came, a week 
ago.” 

Really stronger, Motherkin darling ? ” 

Really stronger, sweetheart.” 

That ’s glorious ! Away goes my silly regret 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


165 


for the things that were ! And that thought will 
make me able to laugh inside, if I dare not out- 
side, should my ^ master ’ seem stern or hard to 
please.” 

Don’t go to the opposite extreme. Mr. 
Brook will never be harsh, or even ^ stern,’ I 
fancy, with you. But your ignorance concerning 
what is so simple to him may try his patience. 
That ’s all. Now I must go to Belle. Have you 
seen Robert lately ? ” 

Not since breakfast.” 

He is very quiet somewhere.” 

Then of course he ’s in mischief. But he ’ll 
come out all right; he always does, you know. 
Good-by. ” Oh she ran, trilling in her rich young 
voice the first bars of Edinboro Toon ; ” and 
Mrs. Beckwith rose with a smile to seek her other, 
less light-hearted daughter. 

Belle stood over the kitchen sink, her sleeves 
pushed above elbows far too white and dainty, as 
she herself thought, to be plunged in a deep pan 
of hot suds, and with a mop ” was trying to 
wash the morning’s cups and saucers without 
touching her hands to the detested water. Her 
expression was so lugubrious that, despite a sin- 
cere sympathy, the mother could scarce repress 
a smile, and the girl faced about just in time to 


166 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


catch the amused expression and to guess at its 
cause. A sudden burst of tears followed, and 
Mrs. Beckwith was at her daughter’s side 
instantly. 

My poor, misguided child ! Don’t, I beg of 
you, allow yourself to weep over — a pan of 
soiled dishes ! ” 

As Bonny would say, I ’ll spoil the water ! 
Is that it. Mother?” cried Belle, beginning to 
laugh almost hysterically. 

Because it is so unworthy of you, my artist.” 

Artist ! This looks like it, does n’t it ? ” 

Exactly like it. It is your very finely strung 
nature which makes these trivial trials so dis- 
tasteful to you. It is n’t laziness or selfishness or 
vanity; no, I am sure it is not.” 

Belle dropped the wooden-handled dish-cloth 
with a splash, and gazed at her mother in aston- 
ishment. Why — Mother ! Did — you — think 
it was ? ” 

No, darling, I did not. Others might think 

so.” 

Motherkin, I — hate it ! ” 

You must kill the hatred.” 

I can’t ; it ’s born in me.” 

Unfortunately, it is the fault of my mistaken 
training.” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


167 


No, no, no. Please don’t say that. I am 
ashamed of it, but I can’t help it.” 

girl who has the talent, nay, more, the 
genius, that you have is too strong a person to say 
that, mentally too strong.” 

Mother, if I am talented, as you flatter me 
by saying — ” 

I never flatter, dear. Flattery is untruth.” 

Well, if I have talent isn’t it wasted here ?” 

I think not. I have never had patience with 
the theory that geniuses should be exempt from 
the general burdens of life. The greater the in- 
telligence the greater the endurance and courage 
should be. I don’t believe the dear Lord ever 
made a nature lop-sided ; though there are so 
many lop-sided folks in the world, it sometimes 
seems so.” 

Tell me what you mean. Mother. I don’t 
want to be a kill-joy in the family, but I felt 
five minutes ago as if I were ready to give up 
life, if it were to be all — housework!” 

Mrs. Beckwith began unwinding her spools of 
silk and rewinding them on her rude frame pre- 
paratory to the bleaching process, and Isabelle 
watched her curiously. 

I think it is this way. A body has one 
characteristic more marked than another; and 


168 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


straightway his or her mistaken friends set about 
developing it to the detriment of all the other 
characteristics^ which being less pronounced are 
left without training and cultivation till they 
really become insignificant. We were in danger 
of just that for you, but dish-washing happened 
in time to prevent. That ^ hated ’ task will make 
you a symmetrical and noble woman, my Belle, 
mentally, as you bid fair to become physically.” 

Mother, you are the dearest, oddest little 
reasoner in the world ! ” 

Thank you. But let’s look at this matter 
practically. Is there not some way by which 
you can lessen the distastefulness of your task ? 
Can you not study nature, landscape ^ effects,’ 
at the same time, or learn something of your 
favorite authors ? ” 

see no way. That is why — one why — 
it is disagreeable. I am here in the midst of a 
lovely country, but if I do the housework as it 
should he, as Miss Brook assures me it should be, 
I shall have no time for anything else.” 

There you go again, twisting your mind 
out of balance toward the other side. If I were 
you, I would certainly combine art with dish- 
washing and literature with my other domestic 
duties. You can, easily.” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


169 


Please tell me/’ begged Isabelle, now inter- 
ested and smiling, and in this new mood forget- 
ting to take account of her hands otherwise than 
that they fulfilled their present task well. 

That window over the sink looks out upon as 
lovely a bit of country as God ever made. Now, 
suppose you take a large sheet of wrapping-paper 
and cover the lower sash before which you stand, 
leaving out the size of one pane. Then through 
that loop-hole, as it were, do your studying. Take 
the foliage, as it expands. Note the different 
tones and shades of green; the forms of the 
young buds, their manner of growth from the 
first appearing to the full perfection. It seems 
to me that will give you a knowledge of detail 
which will help you wonderf idly in your ^ tech- 
nique ’ when you come to put your brush to 
canvas. So with the cloud and sky tints; they 
are never-ending in variety. I would keep a 
little note-book beside me and jot down the 
colors your studies suggest to you; then when 
you have leisure verify these suggestions by 
actual trial. You can vary your outlook con- 
tinually, and I think you will become so in- 
terested in the experiment that you will acquire 
the other knowledge — of how to despatch the 
dish-washing neatly and rapidly — without think- 
ing much about it.” 


170 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Belle mused for a few moments ; her face soften- 
ing under the conviction that she would not thus 
be debarred from all connection with the one sort 
of labor she had heretofore loved. Then she 
asked: ‘^You said literature, too. How can I 
read while about the house?” 

^^This way. Have a wide piece sewn across 
the bottom of your gingham aprons, with pockets 
stitched in it; and in these pockets carry one of 
your ^ Handy Volume ’ series or one of your art 
^ Primers.’ Take out your book from time to 
time and memorize anything which pleases you. 
You can thus, if you choose, gain more actual 
understanding of the world’s best minds during 
one dinner-getting than during a class-hour at 
school. I know; I’ve tried it myself.” 

Oh, Mother ! is that the vray you came to 
know so many of the poets by heart ? ” 

Yes, dearie, the very way. And the knowledge 
has been ^ meat and drink ’ to me many and many 
a time. When you were all small, and my dark- 
est hours were upon me, I had to get right straight 
out of myself to enable me just to live. If I had 
dwelt upon my own hardships, I should have 
broken down physically long ago. But I just 
wouldn’t. I said to these sweet singers and 
teachers : ^ You must bear my burdens for me. 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


T71 


God made you stronger than He made me, and 
I shall utilize you ! ’ The beauty of it was that 
they did support me, and lost no whit of 
strength themselves.” 

My set of poets is so nicely bound. They 
were my prizes at school, you know. If I had a 
cheaper edition — ” 

Darling, would you rather have a white hook 
or a white soul ? ” 

Why, Motherkin ! ” 

Which ? ” asked Mrs. Beckwith, persistently, 
gently winding at her bits of skeins. 

The soul, of course. But — ” 

^^Ah, yes, I thought so. If I had an edition 
de luxe, even, of any author who had words of 
cheer for me, I would not hesitate to put it to the 
use I have suggested, — not for the twentieth part 
of a second. Oh ! I could groan sometimes, over 
the books that are wasted by lying on library 
shelves unread, when there are so many hungry 
minds going unfed through life.” 

Mrs. Beckwith had waxed enthusiastic, as was 
her wont when books were her subject ; hut she 
had succeeded in banishing the dolorous expres- 
sion from her daughter’s face and the forebodings 
which had troubled her from her own mind. She 
rose and fastened her stretcher of silken thread 


172 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


in the southern window, and then she went out, 
remarking : It is time I looked after Robert. 
He has been ominously quiet ever since breakfast- 
time.” 

She sought him in the poultry-house, where, 
despite his fear of snakes, he passed much of his 
time watching the sitting hens with which Miss 
Brook had stocked his establishment. He re- 
paired thither each morning with a firm belief 
that nature must work a miracle on his behalf, 
and that the ordinary three weeks of time re- 
quired to change eggs into chickens would be 
shortened to one, ’cause no little boy ever wanted 
chicks so bad.” 

Robert ! ” called the mother, entering the 
little house. 

There was no reply. 

I wonder, would he disobey me and go fishing 
or swimming after he had promised not ! ” 

One of the prospective mother biddies clucked 
loudly as if to suggest, No strangers allowed ! ” 
and Mrs. Beckwith retreated. 

Just outside the yard she met Mr. Holloway. 

Good-morning, ma’am. Where ’s that boy ? ” 

I ’m looking for him now.” 

H’m-m ! I came to tell him he ’d probably 
addled all them eggs a handling ’em so much, 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


173 


and I ’d brought him a few fresh ones. Yester- 
day he took a whole nest full and punched a pin- 
hole in ’em, to see the chicks inside. He ’s — 
he ’s a great one ! ” 

Mr. Holloway’s tone betokened more amuse- 
ment than anger, and Mrs. Beckwith eagerly ex- 
claimed : I was sure you would like my little 
son, after you understood him thoroughly.” 

H’m-m ! I defy anybody to do that, ma’am, 
— understand him, begging your pardon for my 
freedom. Ho — hello ! What — what — Look 
yonder ! ” 

The mother wheeled about anxiously, and fol- 
lowed her neighbor’s gaze houseward. There on 
the ridge-pole of the old roof sat the lad they 
sought. The house was three stories high in one 
part, but sloped downward to within a few feet 
of the ground on the Revolutionary ” side, after 
the fashion of buildings of that period. This 
long slope of roof was on the north, and almost 
directly below the eaves was the cistern, which 
for purposes of cleaning and repairing was that 
morning uncovered. 

Oh ! my boy ! if he should slip ! ” 

As he probably will.” 

At that instant Robert stood up to examine 
the ancient weather-cock which had attracted 


174 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


him to his perilous perch, and forgetting where 
he was began to twist the dingy chanticleer ” 
upon its rod. 

Suddenly there was a rush, a cry — a sudden 
downward flash of knickerbockered legs, and 
Humpty-Dumpty ” had disappeared in the 
cistern. 




I 


CHAPTER XIY. 


APIS MELLIFICA. 

OOD-MORNING, my dear, good-morning. 
VJT I am pleased to see you so punctual.’' 
Bonny looked up brightly. There was surely 
nothing stern or forbidding about the fine old 
face which smiled genially upon her from the 
museum window, and she was instantly ashamed 
of her earlier dread ” concerning the new task 
that day to be begun. Good-morning, Mr. 
Brook. Of course I would be punctual this 
first day. The trouble will be to keep it up. 
I ’m a lazy sort of a girl.” 

Humph ! I ’ve seen no evidence of it here- 
tofore, and I shall not watch for faults. How is 
the good little mother this morning ? ” 

‘‘Well; really growing stronger, thank you. 
I have her own word for it.” 

“ Then we can get to work with a light heart. 
I ’ve laid out a pile of it, I assure you. Like 
many other people who defer what they should 
not till over-late in life, now I ’ve set myself the 


176 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


task I am all impatience to get through it. 
Come in, please.” 

Beatrice knew the way well enough. Till that 
morning the great apartment had been a fasci- 
nating wonderland to her, with its rows of 
shelves and cases, each filled with creatures curi- 
ous, ugly, or beautiful ; and the thought that she 
was now to learn all about them in a business 
way did appear quite formidable. However, she 
reminded herself of her mother’s frequent advice, 
Take one thing at a time,” and found comfort 
in the knowdedge that she could write of only 
one insect at one instant. Collectively they 
might be something dreadful ; individually they 
were poor little dried-up affairs ! 

Then her eye fell upon the table by the oppo- 
site window and her face brightened. The 
typewriter ! When did it come ?” 

Last evening. The man brought it down 
from Newburgh and put it into working order 
for you. I am anxious to see you use it. He 
did so for a moment, but I did not like to detain 
him. It is a wonderful instrument, is it not ?” 

I suppose so. Anyway I am very fond of 
using it.” The girl sat down before the firm 
little table which the machine agent had prepared 
for her, and, placing a sheet of paper in position. 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 177 

clicked off Mr. Brook’s name and address with a 
rapidity and correctness which delighted him. 

Really, my dear ! That is fine ! If you can 
do as well with the rest as with that, you will be 
a grand success, you will, indeed.” 

^^But I shall not be able. We may as well 
face that matter first as last. At the begin- 
ning I shall be very stupid. I shall spell every 
Latin name wrong, perhaps, and not know the 
difference.” 

Ah, my dear ! Do you think I have not pre- 
pared for that ? Why, you must know that the 
change of a single letter in some names or de- 
scriptions would result in the utmost confusion ; 
and in any scientific work perfect orthography is 
absolutely necessary. But I have picked up a 
few little primers on the subject of our task, and 
you are to consult them continually. You will 
soon see that there is a general principle in the 
construction of all terms, and that spelling Latin 
is, after all, easier than spelling English. It is to 
me. I frequently have to pause to think out an 
English word, oftentimes the simpler the more 
puzzling, but a Latin one never.” 

Happy mortal — I mean, sir ! I fear I shall be 
a terrible trial to you. And you must know that 
you can send me about my business at the first 
12 


178 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


blunder, if you feel so inclined. Dear me ! That 
does n’t sound right ! What I want to say, only 
I am such an old stupid, is : Please do not let your 
friendship for us prevent your dismissing me if I 
don’t suit you.” 

Why ! Why, my dear ! ” exclaimed Mr. 
Brook, very much surprised. I thought you 
were a girl whose vocabulary did not contain the 
word ^ fail.’ ” 

It used to be that way. But now — I guess 
I ’m not as conceited as I was awhile ago. The 
older I get the less I feel that I know. And — ” 

Tut, tut ! Though that is an excellent state 
of things, too. There is hope of a person con- 
scious of his own deficiencies. But all this in due 
time. By the way, have you yet discovered the 
secret of the linden-trees, the source of your 
wealth that is to be ? ” 

Beatrice opened her eyes widely at this abrupt 
change af subject, but answered promptly : Oh, 
no, indeed ! I had almost forgotten that ! But 
what lovely trees they are ! They will soon be 
in bloom ! ” 

^^So I suppose, so I suppose. Therefore we 
will make our first lesson, or our first day’s 
work, upon the Aps meUifica. You are upon my 
mind ; after I get your affairs settled more satis- 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


179 


factorily, I shall be better able to attend to my 
own. Yes, yes, that matter first; the other in 
due time.” 

Bonny could not conceal her astonishment. 
How Mr. Brook’s talk did wander, from tech- 
nical and scientific terms to a fable of hidden 
wealth in a row of old trees ! She wondered if 
her mother had ever observed anything like this, 
and if that were what she meant when she so 
earnestly counselled patience. Was her beloved 
old friend in his second childhood ? 

He lifted his bright eyes from the page he had 
been reading and caught her own questioning 
gaze. Out with it, my dear, out with it ! How 
have I surprised you ? ” 

The young secretary hesitated, then answered 
frankly, I did not see the connection between 
my ^ treasure ’ and your science.” 

If you are not a deal more stupid than I 
have taken you to be, you will see it within the 
next few hours. And you need not fear, I am 
all right mentally, my dear ; thank God, quite 
sound-minded, if I am an octogenarian.” And 
the queer old gentleman crossed the room, laugh- 
ing so mischievously that Bonny was forced to 
join him, though believing that she was making 
mirth at her own expense. 


180 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Mr. Brook came back to bis own table beside 
that of his secretary, bearing an open case of 
Avhat she considered very uninteresting dried 
bugs,” and placing the case before her pointed 
to one and another of the objects therein with 
kindling enthusiasm. These are different speci- 
mens of the Apis, in perfect forms, in abnor- 
mal ones, in portions, and groups. Every organ* 
is here represented ; this minute affair, for in- 
stance. Ah ! you cannot see it as it is, even 
with your young eyes. Take the magnifier. 
See? Isn’t it wonderful?” 

Beatrice took the magnifying-glass and exam- 
ined the speck of insect anatomy which her 
employer had designated. Why, it looks like 
a little saw ! ” 

Exactly, exactly. A saw so tiny, yet so 
thorough in its work that it can pierce a heavy 
buckskin glove if the mechanic who wields it so 
desires. Ah ! I have been studying these little 
fellows for many years, yet I am freshly amazed 
each time I see them.” 

The enthusiasm was inspiring. Bonny took 
up the different cards from the case, and began 
to examine them through the microscope. She 
had always loved to watch living creatures, but 
dead ones had heretofore held little interest for 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


181 


her. She found her ideas rapidly changing. 

Has this queer little saw a name, a common 
name, that would mean something to me ? ” 

Certainly. It is a sting, a bee’s sting. Aps 
mellifica is honey bee.” 

And it is that mite of a thing which 
hurts ? ” 

Exactly. A point so small that the finest 
cambric needle is larger, yet look ! Here are 
the two hollows between the saws which, lying 
face to face, form a pipe' for the poison to flow 
through. This is the poison bag. These curi- 
ous little affairs are the handles which pump the 
sting, the saws, down into the flesh. One 
side first, making a wedge-like opening, through 
which the other saw is promptly forced. Then 
by another motion down goes the fluid which 
poisons, or the sac itself is pushed into the wound. 
Talk about guns and- cannons ! Here you have 
something far more complete than either, and 
in proportion to its size far more dreadful in its 
effects. Why, one of these stings has sometimes 
killed a man, though I did not mean to refer 
to that ! Such cases are rare, indeed. And 
usually a bee-sting amounts to very little.” 

Well, but you need not reassure me, dear Mr. 
Brook ! After this exhibition I shall not inter- 


182 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


fere with any bees whose acquaintance I may 
chance to make.” 

Don’t be too positive, my dear, don’t be too 
positive. You may have to change your 
mind.” 

Why, I thought our work lay among dead 
things, all these of your collection. I did not 
know that we were to hunt among new fields.” 

We are not ; but you may, of your own ac- 
cord, before I have done with you. I hope so. 
Yes, I foresee that you will often leave me in the 
midst of a very busy day just because of my 
friend alive and buzzing.” 

Again that gay laugh, and again Beatrice’s 
utter mystification. 

^^Well, well, well. Suppose we read a bit of 
natural history this morning ; or, rather, I will 
dictate to you and you take down what I have 
to say. I am writing a little treatise on the 
fellow A'pis, — something quite apart from the 
collection, as a whole. I mean to publish it for 
the benefit of just such bright girls and boys as 
you and your brothers. Yes ; I ’ll give you a 
chapter now.” 

There was more business in this arrangement, 
and it was business which Bonny had come for ; 
so she rapidly made ready, and with fingers poised 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


183 


above the keys of her machine waited for the 
opening sentence. 

^ Foods for the Honey-bee.’ That is the chap- 
ter title, and its number is seven. The other 
half-dozen are already prepared, though in my 
own handwriting. You will have to copy them 
sometime, before publication ; but — ready ? ” 
Quite.” 

The dictation began. Mr. Brook found it a 
little difficult to keep his current of thought as 
clear as usual, for the racket of the typewriter 
was so foreign to his accustomed quiet ; and be- 
sides this the frequent liftings of the typewritist’s 
head, the amused glances of her dark eyes, were so 
distracting to the lover of young folks that he 
felt more than half inclined to give up the task 
for a while and go out upon a search for the new 
subjects ” they two might find together. How- 
ever, he did his best, and at the end of a few 
paragraphs Bonny sprang up from her chair in 
a state of great excitement. 

Oh ! I Ve guessed it, I have, I have ! I know 
what my ^ source of wealth ’ will be ! ” 

Hoity, toity ! I thought you were writing 
from dictation ! ” returned her old patron, smiling 
quite as brightly as herself. 

Yes, sir. Oh, yes, in a minute. Just, 


184 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


please, let me ask you one or two things. May 
I? Can I?” 

^^How am I to prevent a headstrong young 
woman like yourself ? ” 

Do you believe I could manage them all 
myself ? 

Manage what ? Here, Joanna, please ! ” called 
the pleased old gentleman to his sister crossing 
the veranda. 

Miss Brook came and leaned upon the window- 
ledge, and smiled in upon them. Well, I must 
say I don’t know which is the more enthusiastic ! 
Brother, dear, how old are you ? Do you con- 
template going into the business for yourself ? ” 
Eighty, my dear, eighty, if a day ! But 
look at the child ! Hear her ask me, ^ Can 
she ? May she ? ’ when already she is feeling 
herself a millionaire.” 

All this time not a word which an outsider 
could have understood had been spoken ; and as 
this thought flashed over Bonny she laughed 
again. ^^Dear Mr. Brook, I thought at first that 
you were ^ not quite yourself ’ this morning ! 
Beg pardon, but I did. And now I am as bad. 
Maybe, after all, we are not talking about the 
same thing.” 

Maybe not ! Oh ! I dare say not,” replied 



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AMONG THE LINDENS. 185 

the merry old gentleman, pacing rapidly back 
and forth. 

And quite difficult for me, I think ! ” added 
Miss Joanna, smiling too. 

Will you please tell me your thought, Mr. 
Brook ? ” asked Beatrice, eagerly. 

With pleasure. I would have done so long 
ago, only you did n’t ask it. I think the scheme 
I have formulated — ” 

“ But I have not heard it in words. Brother ! ” 

The scheme I have formulated, Joanna, will 
keep this growing girl out of doors, as she should 
be, and make a wise recreation after her hours of 
labor here. It will teach her more of real natu- 
ral history than I can preach to her, and will 
make her far more interested in my work. It 
will fill her small pocket with some needed extra 
cash. Last, but not least, it will give that unquiet 
small brother of hers a chance to get rid of his 
surplus energy in a legitimate way. He can do 
all the tree-climbing, for which I should, if I 
were a girl with such an irrepressible relative, 
give him a small share in the business. It — 
Go on. Miss. How can you wish to interrupt 
such a flow of argument ? ” 

As if he had been the grandfather he had him- 
self suggested. Bonny crossed swiftly to her em- 


186 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


ployer’s side and laid her hand upon his shoulder. 

Because I thank you for showing me how to 
help myself. The one word which will tell my 
thought is — ” 

At that moment Mr. Dolloway’s solemn face 
appeared above Miss Joanna’s own with such 
suddenness that Bonny’s word ” waited for his. 
He had evidently come freighted wdth ill news. 

Oh, sir, what is it ? Is my mother — ” 

Mr. Dolloway shook his head dolefully, but a 
genuine distress was in the gesture. ’T ain’t 
your mother, Miss Beatrice. It ’s that pesky, 
dear little brother of yours.” 

What ’s happened him ? Anything new ? 
The hens?” 

Hens ! If it was only hens ! But hens it 
is n’t this time. It ’s roofs an’ cisterns an’ bangs 
an’ black-an’ -blues. If he ain’t dead — ” 

Poor Bonny did not pause to remember that 
she was a salaried employee, but, without leave 
or license, darted from the house and across the 
fields with an aching heart. 


CHAPTER XV. 


STREAKS OF HUMAN NATURE. 

TT must be something dreadful this time ! 

Roland has left his ploughing, and the old 
horse is walking about as she pleases. The men 
are not working upon the cistern, and — Can 
it be he is drowned ? ” 

These thoughts flashed through the sister’s 
mind as she hurried homeward, past the field of 
sweet-smelling, freshly turned sods where her 
brother’s plough stood idly in the furrow ; and as 
she burst into the sitting-room her face was white 
and her breath well spent. 

But nothing so very dreadful met her gaze. 
Robert was, indeed, lying upon the lounge well 
wrapped in blankets, but his dark eyes were the 
first to discover Bonny’s entrance, and his voice 
the one to demand : What you home for. Bon ? ” 
Why — why — you precious darling ! Are n’t 
you killed ? ” 

Wull — wull — I guess not ! What ’s the 
matter with you, anyway ? What ’s the matter 


188 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


with everybody ? Can’t a feller slide offen a roof 
’ithout stirrin’ up the hull neighborhood, I ’d 
like to know ! ” 

Belle had been sitting, watching the patient, 
but at this outburst of remonstrance she laughed 
and left her post. I ’ll find Mother now, and 
tell her you ’ve come in. I think Bob is all right, 
anyway.” 

Course I am. Who said I was n’t ? ” 

Your ^ chum,’ Mr. Dolloway.” 

H’m-m ! What ’d he say ? ” 

I don’t remember exactly. Oh, yes, I do, 
too. He said ^ roofs,’ ^ cisterns,’ ^ bangs,’ ‘ blacks 
and blues,’ etc. What did he mean ? ” 

Nothin’. Only I slid ofien the roof into the 
cistern. Nen he an’ my mother come an’ made 
a dretful time. They said I was ’bout killed, but 
I was n’t. An’ my mother she sent Roland ofi 
fer a doctor-man, ’cause she’s boun’ I’ve broke 
some o’ my insides. She says a feller could n’t 
jest slide that little bit ’ithout hurtin’ hisself 
somehow. It was n’t no use I tellin’ her. Roland 
went quick as lightnin’. Nen the carpenter an’ 
mortar man they went away to get some more 
stuff to fix the thing up so ’s I can’t slide in no 
more ; an’ that ’s all.” 

^^All! Robert, you certainly will scare my 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


189 


mother to death with your behavior, even if you 
don’t get killed yourself. And if you ’re not 
hurt, why are you lying here wrapped up this 
fashion ? ” 

’Cause my mother made me. What ’s more, 
she took my clothes away, an’ says they Ve got 
to be washed an’ I ’ll have ter lie still till they 
dry. I think it ’s mean I can’t wear my Sunday 
ones; don’t you?” 

I think it is a wise precaution. But how in 
the world did you manage to slide off the roof ? 
What were you doing up there ? Tell me the 
whole story.” 

I wanted ter make the rooster turn round 
faster. He ’s rusty on his hinges, Mr. Holloway 
says, ’cause he, the rooster, is awful old, old 
as Mr. Brook maybe. An’ I got my mother’s 
oil-can, ’cause he said old things needs oilin’, 
an’ I dumb up. I was goin’ to s’prise you all, 
an’ — It ’s mean. I can climb like anything 
now. Bon.” 

How did you fall ? On your head ? ” 

Pooh ! What fools girls is ! If I ’d ’a’ fell on 
my head, I would ’a’ been hurt, you bet. But I 
just slid inter that pile o’ mortar the men had 
mixed ter fix the cistern with. My feet went in 
clear up to my waist ! Nen, when my mother 


190 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


caught hold o’ me, she had a nawful job to pull 
me out. She got all over dirt hepelf, too ; so 
she ’s got to have her clothes washed too ! ” 

But the bruises ? Where are they ? ” 

Eobert struggled to unwind himself from the 
folds of blanket in which maternal anxiety had 
enswathed his plump little limbs and displayed 
those members with a look of triumph. 

Shades of Jacob’s coat — Joseph’s, I mean! 
There is not an inch of originally colored skin 
upon you ! But see here, young man 1 Those 
are not all new bruises ; though, if Mr. Dolloway 
saw them, I don’t wonder he thought you were 
about killed. Those are the scars of many battles 
with misfortune, if I ’m not much mistaken 1 ” 
Wull, who said they wasn’t? That yeller 
an’ green patch, that come the time I fell 
out the cherry-tree, the first day I got here. 
That — ” 

Never mind the enumeration. You are beau- 
tifully mottled, sort of like a tortoise-shell cat. 
And I ’ve run away from my work, scared poor 
Miss Joanna into a fit, and behaved altogether 
badly, just because you slid ofi a roof 1 Now I 
must take my bit of lunch quickly and get back. 
And, by the way. Bob, if you ’ll promise not to 
do anything more to plague Motherkin all this 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 191 

day till I get home again, I ’ll tell you a secret, 
a good one.” 

The child’s face lighted eagerly, and a rash 
promise was on his tongue’s end, but he be- 
thought himself of the chrysanthemum affair 
and paused in time. Pooh ! I s’pose it ’s som’- 
thin’ to get me inter another scrape. Nen — ” 
Don’t be so wise, my dear. I am going to 
tell my mother the first. But I thought it would 
please you to know, too, and you could be mak- 
ing happy plans while you were obliged to lie 
here. Heigho ! There comes Roland and some- 
body in a phaeton ! The doctor, I suppose. Now, 
my sweet, you ’re in for it ! I hope it will be a 
lesson to you ! ” 

“Oh, Bon, don’t go away! You would n’t leave 
a feller in a trouble, would you ? An’ if he 
should, mebbe he will, find I was smashed 
up inside somewhere, how bad you’d feel about 
fersakin’ your poor little brother, would n’t you ? 
I — I wish you ’d stay. Bon 1 ” 

“ I must let the professional gentleman in first, 
then find my mother. But if you behave like a 
little soldier he won’t hurt you very much, not 
so very much ! ” 

Beatrice felt a little guilty in frightening 
the unlucky child as she was doing; still she 


192 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


believed that it might result in future relief to 
the rest of the family, and persisted. Robert 
had never been placed under a physician’s 
care before ; for the innumerable bumps and 
bruises he had suffered at the mischance of fate 
or his own mischief had been cared for by mater- 
nal hands alone. Ditto all the childish diseases 
with which he, in common with the rest of the 
juvenile world, had been afflicted; and it was, 
perhaps, one of the reasons for the young Beck- 
withs’ good health that their mother had been too 
poor to dose them with drugs, but had relied as 
far as might be on Doctor Nature instead. 

She must have been terribly frightened this 
time, to have sent for a physician ! ” thought 
Beatrice, as she admitted the gentleman ; and it 
was not until she had questioned Isabelle that 
she learned how serious the boy’s hurt had at 
first been supposed. 

He lay unconscious for more than an hour. 
Bonny; and I never saw Mother so distressed. 
She thought he had been injured internally, and 
could not rest until she had somebody examine 
him. Poor little chap ! he ’ll be felt of from 
head to foot now; and I, too, hope it will be 
a lesson to him. I actually fear he will be 
killed some time in some of these ^ accidents.’ ” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


193 


Not a bit of it ! At least I don’t think so 
now, though Mr. Dolloway did frighten me. 
But what a pretty little luncheon you have 
set out ! Did you make that batch of biscuits, 
or Motherkin ? ” 

— I myself. And, Bonny, I ’m sorry I was 
so hateful about the housework. Mother has 
been talking with me and showing me how I can 
manage. She thinks after I have learned I may 
be almost as quick as you ; and if I plan my 
work systematically from day to day, that I will 
be able to get some hours each day for painting 
or sketching. If I do not have to give up all I 
dreamed, I shall not mind it so much.” 

Bonny threw her arms about her sister’s neck, 
and gave her a loving kiss. I think that ’s 
splendid of you. Belle ! I have wished I could do 
both your share and that for which Mr. Brook 
has offered me payment. But I cannot; and 
something I read the other night may be a help 
to all of us. It was about ^ traditions,’ binding 
ourselves to do just as everybody has settled is 
the best way for the majority to do. I am not a 
lucid explainer, but it is like this : I ’ve heard 
you quote dear Miss Joanna for authority in 
housekeeping matters, country housekeeping ; and 
her servants say she is a ^ model.’ Certainly the 

13 


194 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


great mansion is always spick and span from top 
to bottom ; but that is for her^ not for us. 
There are so many things we can let go, or 
rather, never undertake, that are wholly unneces- 
sary. The article said that, given a perfect 
cleanliness, many other ideas about ^ dirt ’ were 
just ^fussiness.’ In the first place, she who 
wishes to do something else with her time be- 
sides housekeeping should never burden her rooms 
with knick-knacks. ^ Trash,’ that writer called 
the lots of things one generally strews about on 
tables and shelves. Every extra article put into 
a room means so much extra dusting and clean- 
ing, and so much time to do that in. And a 
lot more talk like that. It seemed to me, when 
I had finished reading, that housework might be 
made ever so much simpler and shorter if one 
studied how in the same way one studies to learn 
anything else. For instance, when I began my 
typewriting it seemed to me that I should never 
be able to write fast enough to earn my salt ; but 
after a while it came easier, till, for a girl of my 
age, I really think I do quite well both at 
that and lecturing ! Don’t you ? ” 

I think you have certainly talked faster than 
you have eaten ; but the notion is a good one. 
It is ever so much like what Mother told me this 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 195 

morning. Must you go? Won’t you wait to 
see her first ? ” 

I ought not. She is closeted with the doc- 
tor, and bent upon finding broken bones some- 
where about Bob’s anatomy. With that end in 
view she will be unseeable for some time to come. 
And look ! Roland is chasing that nag, the first 
time I ever saw her gallop in her life ! Poor 
boy ! Give him my kindest regards, accept the 
same for yourself, and believe me, yours truly. 
Bon ! Really, Belle, I think you ’re splendid, and 
your lunch was fine ; and Roland is a pattern, — 
my mother says so, — and Robert is the dearest, 
roughest, most exciting little chap in the world. 
We are a brilliant family ! And I have another 
fine scheme which I will divulge to the assembled 
multitude this evening. No ; it ’s not my scheme, 
either, it ’s Mr. Brook’s ; so, sure to be right. 
Good-bye.” 

Farewell ! But, say. Bonny ! ” 

^^Well?” turning upon the doorstep, with a 
bit of impatience showing on her merry face. 

Do you talk all the time when you are at 
Mr. Brook’s, or — ” 

Isabelle ! ” called Mrs. Beckwith’s voice from 
the sitting-room. 

Yes, Mother.” 


196 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Please make a cup of tea and bring it to the 
doctor, with a plate of biscuit. He has a long 
drive before him, and must not be let to go 
without something.” 

Dear, dear me ! My mother’s hospitality is 
something formidable ! The very first biscuits I 
ever made ! And this tea does n’t taste like that 
we used to get in town ! But if she had only a 
glass of cold water and a bit of hard-tack, she ’d 
offer it to the Queen of England, with just that 
same easy grace. Well, one thing I foresee in 
the country is the frequency of ^ droppers in,’ as 
Mr. Dolloway calls them. But the next caller who 
comes shall have better biscuits than these, even 
if Bonny did praise them. And after all, it ’s 
rather pleasant to think people are willing to be 
social with you, as country folks seem inclined, 
without knowing all about your past life. That ’s 
one thing I like ! And there ’6 something very 
pleasant in the word ^ neighbor.’ I love to hear 
Miss J oanna say it, in her low voice ; and if I 
am to be a house-mistress I ’m going to be a good 
^ neighbor,’ too, with her for a pattern as well 
as my little Motherkin.” 

Whether the reflections with which Isabelle 
prepared her tray of simple refreshments had 
anything to do with the grace of the serving may 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


197 


be guessed ; certainly, instead of the half-frown 
which Mrs. Beckwith feared to see, the girl’s 
manner was so genial and withal so modest that 
the plain fare acquired a keen relish for the 
hungry physician, who had still many miles to 
drive before he could find leisure for his own 
table ; and he went away with the thought in 
mind : That family is an addition to the town. 
I like them. I like them all, from the fragile- 
looking mother down to the rough little boy. 
But he ’s a shaver ! I took good care to punch 
hardest on the sorest places, for he needs a les- 
son ! Well, that may be my first visit, but I 
think it will not be my last to The Lindens, 
under the new regime ! ” 

Dear, I am pleased with you ! ” said Mrs. 
Beckwith, warmly, giving her daughter a motherly 
caress. I was afraid you would find it a trial 
to be hospitable.” 

It was, Motherkin ! But I — conquered.” 

A second kiss followed the first, and Isabelle 
resolved that the next tax put upon her “ neigh- 
borliness ” should not be matter of so much 
surprise to her little mother. 

Is Bob all right ? ” 

Yes, fortunately, though he is badly scared. 
And he is the strangest child. He will never 


198 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


climb upon that slippery roof again, but he 
is as certain to do something quite as bad and 
not to be anticipated, the moment he has his lib- 
erty. I wish there was a good school near ; but 
that is the drawback to this place.” 

Bonny used to be almost as ingenious for 
mischief, did n’t she ? I remember when some 
‘ flats ’ were building on the block next our home 
you forbade her ^ ever playing on that pile of 
lumber again.’ She never did, but she played on 
another pile which you hadn’t mentioned and 
broke her arm. Still, she is a pretty good sort 
of a girl now, and very clever, everybody says. 
She was the youngest, you know, in our type- 
writing class, and I should n’t wonder if she were 
the very first to get a situation.” 

Oh, yes, I have faith, perfect faith, in 
all my dear ones, Isabelle. But now, if there 
are any more of those biscuits left, please call 
Roland in and we will have our lunch. This has 
been one of the days when housekeeping could 
not go by rule and measure.” 

I hope there won’t be many such ! ” exclaimed 
the daughter, earnestly, and went to summon her 
elder brother. But she presently returned with 
a disappointed face. He says he cannot come, 
that he does not care for anything to eat. He 


AMONG THE LINDENS, 


199 


has lost so much time already, and he had set 
out to accomplish just so much of that ploughing 
this morning.” 

There was a moment’s hesitation ; then Mrs. 
Beckwith herself went to the door and called 
pleasantly : Roland ! lunch is ready.” 

I ’m not coming, Mother ; I can’t.” 

You must. I cannot allow you to go without 
eating regularly, now that you are doing hard 
labor for the first time in your life. Please 
come at once, and do not hinder Isabelle any 
longer. She, too, has had a disappointing morn- 
ing in some ways.” 

Now Roland was but seventeen. If he had been 
ten years older, he would not have answered as he 
did. Oh, Mother, I wish you ’d let me alone ! 
I ’m not a baby to be ordered like Robert ! And 
I am not — going — to eat — one mouthful till 1 
— am ready.” 

Isabelle could scarce believe that she heard the 
words, which were only too distinct through the 
open doorway. Humph ! That ’s what comes 
of making a stripling the ^ head of the family.’ 
That sounds like one of those young roosters of 
Miss Joanna’s trying to crow. That ’s what 
comes of sacrificing ^womenkind to our young 
man.’ The horrid thing ! ” 


200 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Isabelle ! ” 

Startled by the sharpness of pain which the tone 
evinced, Belle looked swiftly into her mother’s 
eyes, and read there that the matter was not a 
theme for jest. 

Poor little woman ! ” thought the girl, as she 
cleared away the lunch things ; how it does hurt 
her when she discovers that we are coarse barn- 
yard fowls, after all ! Poor little woman ! She ’d 
die for any of us, if it were necessary, but we 
just make her heart ache with ^ cussedness ’ 1 
H’m-m 1 I begin to think the Beckwiths are not 
that brilliant collection of perfections Bonny 
claimed ! Bob spoiled the morning, and now 
Roland has finished the afternoon ! Though I 
must admit I began the list of sorrows by be- 
having like a selfish, silly thing, crying over the 
dishes ! ” 

For somehow upon the bright spring landscape 
a shadow seemed to have fallen ; and though Ro- 
land carried his point and finished the number of 
furrows he desired, the sods he turned no longer 
greeted his nostrils with that sweet odor which 
had given him such pleasure heretofore, and 
between himself and the ground appeared all 
through that afternoon the gentle reproachful 
face of a mother aggrieved. 


CHAPTER XVI. 


A MODEKN KING ARTHUR. 

The ploughman he ’s a bonny lad, 

His mind is ever true, jo; 

His garters knit below his knee, 

His bonnet it is blue, jo. 

Then up wi’ my ploughman lad, 

And hey my merry ploughman! 

Of all the trades that I do ken. 

Commend me to the ploughman.” 

B onny brought her song to an end beside her 
brother at the door of the little stable, 
whither, at the close of the afternoon, he had 
guided his horse ; and though her rich young voice 
was music in his ears, Roland turned toward his 
sister a face which did not respond to the mirth 
of hers. 

Hello, Bon ! Back ? Well, how does it seem 
to be a day-laborer ?” 

Ah ! my laddie, how does it seem to be a 
ploughman ? Prettier in song than reality, eh ? 
Why, Roland ! ’’ 


202 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Well, what ? ” 

What ’s the matter ? ” 

Nothing.” 

Stuff ! ” 

I tell you there is n’t anything the matter 
with — me. I ’m not accountable for other peo- 
ple’s whims.” 

The lad dropped the head-stall, and Nan, set 
free of her harness, w^alked quietly into her own 
place ; while Beatrice, perching herself upon the 
manger’s front, threw her arms about her brother’s 
neck and gave him a resounding smack. 

There ! That s for ^ my ploughman, my jo ’ ! 
Say, my dear, you have the heart-ache ! ” 

Don’t bother. Bon ! ” 

I ’d rather bother Roland ! What is it. Lau- 
reate? You will have to tell me sometime, you 
know ; you might as well now. Besides, I ’m 
dying to tell you something in return.” 

Well, tell. Then, maybe — ” 

^ A swarm of bees in May is worth a load of 
hay ! ’ How did you guess ? ” 

Guess what ? I wish you would n’t be silly, 
Bon. My head aches, I ’m awfully tired, and 
I ’m crosser than cross.” 

That last is an axiom, — a self-evident fact, 
you know ; and I ’m sorry for the head, but sor- 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 203 

rier for the heart. Something has gone wrong, 
ever so far wrong. What is it, Bubsey ? ” 

Beatrice, if you don’t stop using that ridicu- 
lous name for me, I ’ll — ^ ” 

Kiss me, Boland, and make up. I declare 
it makes me feel as down- spirited as Mr. Dollo- 
way in a rheumatic attack to come home all full 
of my scheme and have you throw cold water on 
me this way. Really, dear, you must tell me. 
You know I always tease till I find out.” 

Boland looked at her angrily; but there was 
something so genuinely loving and sympathetic 
in the piquant face before him that he felt moved 
to unburden his mind of the load it had carried. 
Not a very big load, some lads might think, but, 
to a nature as earnest and chivalrous as Boland 
Beckwith’s, quite bitter enough. Well, then, 
I have behaved outrageously to my mother.” 
Boland — Beckwith ! You ! ” 

In two minutes the little story had been told. 
What did Motherkin say ? ” 

Not one word. If she ’d only scold ! ” 

No ; that ’s one disobliging thing about our 
mother. I ^sym,’ dear; I’ve been there myself. 
I ’ve often felt as if a good, downright nagging 
would n’t hurt one-thousandth part as much as 
one of those astonished glances of hers. They 


204 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


cut like a knife just home from the sharpener’s. 
Well, so yon did n’t have any luncheon ? ” 

I did n’t want any ; I could n’t have eaten 
it, after that.” 

That accounts for the headache ; so both 
head and heart pains are settled for. Now, the 
cure. ' Come along with me.” 

No, I ’d rather not. If Mother happened 
out here, I ’d talk it over with her. I ’m a con- 
founded idiot. Bon. I felt so big and manly, 
somehow, thinking I had the whole ^ farm ’ under 
my own control; and then I was mad at that 
young one everlastingly getting into trouble for 
somebody else to be plagued with ; and I ’d made 
up my mind to accomplish just so much of the 
ploughing, no matter what happened. And it is 
awful hard work. I wouldn’t acknowledge it 
before ; but it seems sometimes as if I could n’t 
drag one foot after the other. And look at my 
hands ! ” 

The flood-gates of his pride and reserve opened 
at last, all the trials and actual sufferings the 
untaught lad had experienced during his brief 
experiment of farming tumbled over Boland’s 
lips in a torrent of words. He felt perfectly 
secure in making these confidences, for whatever 
her faults might be, Beatrice never blabbed,” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


205 


and she loved him so dearly that all he felt was 
shared by her in almost a stronger degree. When 
he had finished there were tears in her bright 
eyes; and she forced Roland to take a portion 
of the sharp-edged seat she occupied, so that she 
might cuddle to him ” with her warm sympathy. 

I ’ll tell you what it is, Laureate ! Brother 
Dolloway is right ! ^ Life is n’t all catnip 1 

They’s consid’able burdock an’ puss’ley mixed 
through it.’ But we’ve got to get along with 
it the best we can ; and all the matter with us is 
we ’re too ^ all-fired ’ smart ! ” 

Bon ! don’t laugh ! ” 

If I don’t I shall cry ; and I ’m only copying 
my respected mother when I say I’d ^ ruther 
laugh.’ But I mean it. We ’re smart. We ’re 
dangerously clever, and we know it ; that ’s all 
the trouble. You are a seventeen-year-old er and 
you ’ve been attempting to do and to be a 
grown-up man, — I mean, to do what a man long 
trained to hard work would do ; and that has 
made you feel as if you were a man in every 
respect. If you can just get back to be Roland 
the lad, you ’ll be all right. And I ’m not a- 
preachin’ no sermons what I is n’t willin’ ter take 
home to myself. No, sir. I ’ve been that conceited 
an’ ^ sot up ’ that I actually felt as if there could 


206 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


nobody take my place at home ; yet at the same 
time there was nobody could take my place abroad, 
so to speak, and abroad being Mr. Brook’s study. 
But I ’ve been a dunce. All I have to do for Mr. 
Brook anybody with a reasonable amount of in- 
telligence — not so much as mine, of course ! 
but an ordinary capacity, like anybody’s not a 
Beckwith — could do. I made heaps of blunders 
when we really set to work this afternoon, and 
my blessed old gentleman came mighty near los- 
ing his temper. He did n’t quite lose it, however, 
though he danced around on the edge of the 
precipice for a few minutes, and it would have 
gone over, I think, if Miss Joanna hadn’t ap- 
peared. It all came from my self-conceit, every 
bit of it. I read a few rules for the orthography 
and then I thought I .knew it all ; and off I 
dashed, hot foot, and had three whole pages 
to rewrite, besides the annoyance to my employer 
of the wasted time. But ^hat won’t happen 
again. I ’ve put on the brakes and I mean to go 
slow next time, probably too slow; but — ” 
Roland knew that the only way to stem the 
current of Beatrice’s talk was to interrupt, which 
he did without ceremony. Do you suppose my 
mother would come out here to me?” 

suppose she would walk on her head if we 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 207 

asked her; but I shouldn’t think it a manly 
thing to do.” 

Why not? I hate to make a talk before 
Belle and — everybody.” 

Boland, don’t think I ’m hateful, but you 
did n’t hesitate to speak horridly to Mother be- 
fore ^ everybody,’ did you ? ” 

I was mad then.” 

And you ’re sad now. No, a King Arthur 
kind of a fellow would go just as manfully to 
make his apologies as he did to commit his error. 
It wull make Mother happy to hear your regret, 
no matter how you express it ; but it will make 
her proud as well if you do so openly. Besides, 
what a shining example you will be to Bob-o’- 
Lincoln ! ” 

Dear little chap ! I thought he was a goner, 
this morning. I tell you he looked awful when 
we got him out of that mortar heap ! ” 

I should think he must ! But if Nan has 
enough to eat, let’s go into the peace-room and 
have a happy time. I do wonder, every time 
I ’m bad, why I can’t remember then how horrid 
it feels to be unhappy. I never do, and good 
resolutions aren’t worth very much above par 
in my case.” 

For a moment Boland did not answer, but went 


208 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


about putting bis little stable into order for the 
night, and finding in the sense of proprietorship 
this gave him a slight solace for his wounded 
pride. For it was that, rather than actual re- 
pentance, which had tortured him all that after- 
noon. His nature, prone to idealize everything, 
had set up a standard of perfect gentlemanliness 
to be achieved, and the thought that he had been 
so petty as to lose temper with a woman, and that 
woman his mother, whom he was most bound to 
protect, had mortified him intolerably. It may 
not have been the highest sort of standard, but it 
was ennobling as far as it went. 

When he could find no further excuse for 
loitering, he went to the pump and begged his 
sister to dash a stream of cold water over his 
aching temples ; then rising, shook himself like a 
young water dog, and strode valiantly out of the 
building. 

Bonny did not glance at him again, but taking 
up her Scottish melody went carolling into the 
house as if to herald a coming joy. 

^^Well, darling! Home again! After a long 
day of work. It is sweet of you to come so 
gayly, for you must be very tired.” 

And it is perfectly lovely of you, Motherkin, 
to take each little bit of decency in your offspring 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


209 


and magnify it into a virtue. But you’ll have 
your reward, my Madonna ! You ’re going to have 
part of it — instantly!” cried the girl, nodding 
her head sagely, and crossing immediately to 
Robert’s lounge, where she dropped down and fell 
to caressing that imprisoned piece of activity. 

Roland did nothing by halves. He walked 
directly toward his mother, and said in a clear 
voice, so that the dreaded everybody ” might 
hear: Mother, I beg your pardon. I behaved 
like a ruffian.” 

The ready tears sprung to the mother’s eyes as 
her tall son bent to kiss her, but she answered as 
she would have answered any other who had 
trespassed upon good manners : Don’t mention 
it, dear. And I ’m glad you are both in together, 
for Isabelle and I have been experimenting in 
the kitchen, and by the odor from thence I think 
our chicken-patties are done and ripe for eating!” 
Then she rose, took the arm of her knight,” 
and led the way to the table. 

^^Wull, wull, ain’t I a-goin’ ter have noth- 
in’ ?” demanded the ^ffinvalid,” indignantly, as 
Bonny rose also, and he was threatened with 
apparent neglect. 

Mother, don’t you think it ’s about time for Sun- 
day clothes?” asked that young person, coaxingly. 

14 


210 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Ye-s ; if Robert will be — ” 

I ’ll be as good as a gold boy, Motherkin ! 
I ’ll be as good as Roland, if I can ! ” 

A general laugh greeted this promise, and un- 
der cover of it. Bonny lifted her little brother 
from his couch of punishment and bore him aloft, 
to return in about five minutes looking perfectly 
cherubic in a clean face and the aforementioned 
holiday attire. 

Now,” said Bonny, after the supper things 
had been cleared away and the little household 
had gathered before the blaze upon the hearth, 
which partly Mrs. Beckwith’s fondness for it and 
partly the still chilly evenings rendered a nightly 
affair, — ^^now have I at last the permission of 
the household to relieve my mind of its terrible 
tension ? I have been keeping a secret for — six 
— mortal — hours, and if I can’t tell it soon I 
shall be ill, maybe.” 

The Secretary has the floor ! ” responded the 
now joyful mother. 

Then, it has been proposed to me — No, that 
is n’t the best, the most mysterious way of begin- 
ning. Ahem ! Has anybody found out the hid- 
den source of my promised wealth ? Has anybody 
learned the secret of The Lindens?” 

Yep,” answered Robert, promptly, skunks.” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


211 


oil, you horrid youngster ! Say ^ Mephitis ’ 
whenever you have occasion to mention so inodor- 
ous a subject. No, you are not right. Next?” 

Knowledge under difficulties,” volunteered 
Belle. 

“ You ’re away off — a thousand miles, though 
it ivill be knowledge under difficulties — exceed- 
ingly painful ones, too, probably. I ’ll explain 
that ambiguity later. Now, next ? ” 

Contentment, which is better than any 
riches,” suggested Mrs. Beckwith, quietly. 

No, Motherkin. Sorry to send you ^ down 
foot,’ but obliged to do it, you know. Roland ? 
Have you no ideas to be ventilated ? ” 

They are quite like Mother’s. Health, inde- 
pendence, and happiness will come to us here 
under a lot of hard toil. And, yes, my ^ express 
wagon.’ ” 

What ? What is that ? Have you a secret 
too ? ” 

Of course I have.” 

Tell it.” 

Ladies first.” 

“ You ’re too gallant ! ” 

You were ^ dying to explain ’ a moment 
since ! ” 

All right. My secret is — a bee. Apis mel- 


212 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


lifica, — a most lively little fellow with a saw in 
his latter end.” 

Beatrice ! ” 

Beg pardon. But I’m so excited ! Mr. 
^ Humpty-Dumpty ’ and I are almost immediately 
to become apiarists ! ” 

Child, what has put such a notion as that into 
your head ? ” 

Our beloved Mr. Brook, and Miss Joanna 
also. They saw a chance for us to make some 
money, which we all agree we need, and suggested 
that method. They have explained the whole 
transaction to me, as well as anybody can explain 
by just talking, and to-morrow, if you approve, 
we are to drive a few miles into the country and 
visit a famous apiary of which Mr. Brook knows. 
There I can see the practical working of the thing, 
and I am assured that we can find a market for 
our honey — when we get it ! What do you say, 
Motherkin?” 

What can I say, dearie, with so little knowl- 
edge of the subject as I possess ?” 

But if Miss Brook and Mr. Brook and even 
Mr. Dolloway approve, youTl say yes, won’t 
you?” ^ 

I will always say yes to reasonable things. I 
foresee that I shall yet do so to this new scheme. 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


213 


But what is the connection between bees and 
lindens ? ” 

The same that there was between your hun- 
gry girl and Isabelle's chicken patties. The trees 
furnish the bees a favorite food in great abundance. 
Then, to supplement them, Roland will plant some 
crops which will be useful to Mr. Apis or Mrs. 
Apis, and that will also be good for us. The 
honey they take away will not hurt any crop he 
can raise. Robert is to be the one to help swarm 
the bees and to look after them while I am away. 
He is to share in the business.” 

If he makes it such a success as the hen affair, 
I am sure we shall be millionaires eventually ! ” 
laughed the elder sister, teasingly. 

‘‘‘ Give the youngster time. Madam Housekeeper ! 
His hens are going to come out all right ; are n’t 
they, ^ Humpty-Dump ’ ? ” 

Course. Belle does n’t know, does she ? ” 

Belle never kept any hens, did she ? and 
Robert did ! ” returned Bonny, gayly. Whatever 
the others might think, she never lost faith in 
either brother. 

But will it not cost a great deal to begin the 
business, much more than we ought to spare at 
present ?” asked Mrs. Beckwith. 

No, I think not. Mr. Brook suggests that I 


214 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


use my own earnings for the purpose, if you will 
allow me. He is confident I shall get back more 
than a fair interest upon the investment. You 
see, he is n’t telling anything he has not already 
verified. He’s a wonderful man, is Mr Brook ! ” 
responded Beatrice, falling into a reverie, which 
lasted so long that Boland interrupted. 

We’ve all acknowledged that long since. 
What now has roused your admiration ? ” 

“ Why, everything he thinks will be a help to 
somebody he experiments with himself first. It 
was so with bee-keeping. There was a crippled 
man with a delicate wife and lots of children, in 
whom our patron was interested. The man was 
hurt in a railway accident, or something like 
that, and could never afterward do any hard work. 
Mr. Brook’s study of bees and their habits made 
him think that an apiary would be just the thing 
for this family, who had a bit of a place a few 
miles from here, the same place he wishes me to 
visit to-morrow. So he tried the thing himself, 
and demonstrated that it was a paying thing; 
then he handed his bee outfit over to those peo- 
ple, and they are now living very comfortably, 
besides being able to educate their children.” 

Just from bees ? ” 

Just from bees. And it is not a business so 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


215 


overstocked that others need fear to enter it. If 
Mother is willing, I shall be so glad to try it.” 

“ It will need a great deal of patience, and 
you will get terribly stung.” 

Everything needs patience, seems to me ! 
The very quality of which I have the smallest 
stock is continually in demand. And as for the 
stinging, some people scarcely feel the stings, 
others have been killed by them.” 

Beatrice ! you are not using a good argu- 
ment in favor of your scheme,” remonstrated the 
careful mother. 

Wull, wull, if I ’m goin’ ter he stung ter 
death, I ’d ruther stick to hens,” remarked Rob- 
ert, sagely. 

That was only to put the very worst foot for- 
ward, my dearie. The persons stung to death 
may have been one out of a million. Besides, 
you have already been stung a dozen times since 
we came here, by one bug or other, and you are 
still very much alive, as witness your escapade of 
this morning.” 

Mother, can I have a drink of milk ? ” 
asked Humpty-Dumpty,” desiring to change the 
subject. 

If Beatrice will get it for you.” 

Of course I ’ll do anything for my partner ! ” 


216 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


replied the girl, gayly. But, just by way of get- 
ting down to facts, how many drinks of milk 
have you already had since you left your bed this 
day — this morning, I mean ? 

^^It’s good for him, dear,” commented Mrs. 
Beckwith, pleasantly; ^^and such a luxury that 
we have a cow, and milk of our own to drink.” 

Bonny danced out of the room, and down the 
stairs cellarward, either not hearing or not obey- 
ing her mother’s suggestion that she would better 
take a candle with her. The others, left before 
the cheerful firelight, sat idly musing over the 
bee project or some other hopeful plan, even the 
milk-hungry boy was silent, when there came 
the sound of a heavy fall, the crashing of china, 
and the shrill shriek of Beatrice, in a mingled 
confusion that sent every person to a standing 
posture and chilled every heart with fear. 

She ’s fallen downstairs ! She must have 
broken her bones ! ” 

My custard ! my custard ! ” cried Belle. 


CHAPTER XVIL 


eoland’s project. 

^ ” 

JJ Bonny, have you spilled my custards ? ” 
Bonny, have you broken down the stairs ? ” 

For answer to all these anxious inquiries, which 
indicated the particular dread of each inquirer, 
there presently came up from the region of dark- 
ness below a ripple of hysterical laughter, which 
rapidly increased in volume till the hearers were 
forced to join in it. 

This was more than Robert could patiently en- 
dure, and, regardless of Sunday clothes, he bounded 
down the stairs, and so noisily that he did not 
hear Beatrice’s swift remonstrance : Don’t, Bob ! 
For mercy’s sake, don’t come down here 1 There, 
you ’ve finished it ! ” 

Mrs. Beckwith quietly and cautiously followed 
the headlong flight of her youngest child, and 
half-way to the lower floor stopped in utter dis- 
may. There, at the bottom of the flight, sat 
Bonny, with Robert in her lap, whither he had 


218 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


fallen promptly, amidst a pile of broken cups, and 
with each of the unfortunates plentifully splashed 
with some sort of sticky, yellowish liquid. 

Well, what have you done ? ” 

Why, spilled the custards ! ” 

What were you doing with them ? ” demanded 
Isabelle, sharply, from the head of the stairs. 

Nothing — that is, ^ I did n’t go for to do 
nothing’ with them ! When I went away to w^ork 
yesterday morning, there were two pans of milk on 
that swing-shelf. I could have gone in the dark 
and found them easily ; so I did ! ” And away 
went Beatrice into another peal of laughter as 
infectious as it was ridiculous. 

Mother told you to take a light ! ” 

I did n’t hear her. Besides, it did n’t seem 
worth while to go to that trouble. Why did you 
put custards in the milk’s place ? And also, if 
you have custards, why don’t you feed them to 
your family instead of laying pitfalls with them 
to catch unwary maidens ? When I was house- 
keeper I — ” 

When you were housekeeper you did exactly 
as you pleased, and nobody durst interfere I ” said 
Belle, quickly. You see. Mother ! It ’s of no 
use trying. There I worked extra hard to-night, 
so that I would not have to take my precious 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


219 


morning light to-morrow to prepare dessert. I 
knew that our dinner was to be a very plain one, 
and so I thought I would piece it out with a little 
second course. All for nothing ! ” 

Mrs. Beckwith made no comment upon this ex- 
clamation. The damage which Bonny’s thought- 
lessness had done was, she feared, far greater 
than the loss of a little daylight or one day’s 
dessert. Gather up your frock as carefully as 
you can, so that the stuff will not drip upon 
these clean stairs, then go directly out of doors ; 
that is, if you are not hurt. I will come out on 
the grass and help you there. Here, Kobert ! 
Put this apron about you and follow Bonny. 
Your unfortunate Sunday clothes ! They are 
ruined, I am afraid.” 

Isabelle retreated in a flood of tears, and 
Roland ran away to compose a sonnet to a 

Maiden in Distress ; ” that being a safety-valve 
to let off his mirthfulness over the absurd affair. 
But Beatrice picked herself up stiffly and obeyed 
her mother without a word. Her fun had quite 
evaporated, and she felt heartily ashamed of 
herself. 

^Mt’s that eternal, undying conceit of mine, 
Motherkin ! If I ’d had any sense I ’d have 
taken a lamp, even though I did not hear you. 


220 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


But no ! I — Bonny Beckwith — could go down 
cellar in the darkest night and do anything I 
wished ! I was n’t afraid, — I ! But I ’m so sorry, 
so awfully sorry about your pretty cups. Mother. 
You have had them so long and kept them 
so carefully. I don’t understand yet how it 
happened.” 

The explanation is simple enough. After 
Isabelle had made her custard, she poured it into 
the cups, and, it being hot, set them in an empty 
pan to carry the better downstairs. She had 
used the milk from the pan on the swing shelf, 
and it was a convenient place to keep her dessert 
until to-morrow, safe and high above the reach 
of the cat or any stray mice.” 

It was high enough, in all conscience ! I 
had to reach above my head to take the pan 
down, and I thought it felt amazing heavy then ; 
but not until I reached the foot of the stairs and 
stumbled did I hear the cups rattle and realize 
that it wasn’t just milk I carried.” 

There, turn around. The other side is all 
messed with it, too.” 

Is it spoiled. Mother ? Is my new clothes no 
more good?” wailed Robert, ruefully regarding 
the liberal dash of water which his mother gave 
those cherished articles. 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


221 


They will never look well again, but they 
will be wearable, I hope. Bonny’s fresh frock is 
unfit for further use, however, until after it is 
laundered again. What will you wear to-morrow, 
child ? ” 

The old winter one, I suppose.” 

^^But if you are going away with your em- 
ployer, will it answer ? ” 

The best one, then. When a body has just 
one good gown and two week-day ones, she has n’t 
much trouble in making her decisions. I care 
only about the cups.” 

Don’t think of them again. I am thankful 
you were not hurt. But, my darling, is there 
nothing else you are sorry for ? ” 

Oh ! I — suppose — so ! The quarrel with 
Belle. But she was as much to blame as I. She 
should n’t have put the pan there if she did n’t 
want it tipped over.” 

Broken cups may be replaced, and soiled 
frocks made clean. These are trivialities ; but a 
wounded spirit — I believe I can trust my Bea- 
trice, can I not? Now come indoors. Boland 
has, also, a 'secret’ to tell, or a statement to 
explain. He is probably impatient to do so. 
About the express wagon. Come, Bobert. It is 
almost your bedtime, anyway.” 


222 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Mother, if anybody is n’t good who lives with 
you, she ought to be ^ kicked by cripples’ ! You — ” 

Beatrice, where do you learn such expres- 
sions ? ” 

That came from Brother — I mean Mr. — 
Dolloway’s vocabulary. He has a choice lot of 
^ Sayings ’ which he repeats on each and every 
occasion. This morning he said something about 
somebody being as ^ queer as Dick’s hat-band ; ’ 
and when I asked him how queer that was he 
answered, as quick as a flash, ^Went half-way 
round and tucked under.’ He’s very original, 
and ever so funny.” 

He may be ; but his expressions on your 
tongue are not funny, but silly. Why cannot you 
pattern after Miss Joanna ? You hear only good 
English from her careful lips.” 

Natural depravity, Motherkin. But I ’ll try. 
I think myself that Dollowayisms do not sound 
as well on ^ Humpty-Dump’s’ lips as they do on the 
^original Jacob’s.’ There it goes again I Mother, 
what does make me so thoughtless ? ” 

Dearie, I wish I knew ! ” 

I ’ll find out ! And I ’ll conquer myself if — 
I can ! I will, dear Mother, if you will keep 
faith in me.” 

My faith in you will only fail with my life, 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


223 


darling. You must have faith in yourself, and 
not settle down to the belief that you cannot 
make yourself all that you would be. But — a 
truce to lectures for to-night ! I want to hear 
what Eoland has to say.” 

They went into the peace-room ” again, and 
Beatrice placed her little brother beside herself 
on the rug before the fire to dry ofi,” while 
Mrs. Beckwith roused Roland from his writing 
to tell them all about his new venture. 

Well, you see, Mr. Brook told me that there 
was no stage running from this place to New- 
burgh. There are two, or more, which do go from 
the towm below us to the city above, but just here 
there is nothing of the kind. He proposed that I 
start a little ^ express route,’ fetching and deliver- 
ing parcels for the New Windsorites, — those who 
either have no horses of their own, or do not care 
to trouble to drive regularly into the city. He 
will speak to several persons for me, and even a 
few families would be a good beginning. He says 
I can probably buy a small covered cart at the 
salesroom in Newburgh, second-hand, but adapted 
to my purpose ; and that it will not hurt Nan to 
do the work. He proposes my making the trips 
three times a week at first, while I am busy get- 
ting in my crops — ” 


224 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Hear ! hear ! ” interrupted Bonny. 

Then later on I can go every day if it seems 
to be profitable. He also suggests that I begin 
right away, and offers to go into town with me 
and help me select my vehicle, if you approve. 
Mr. Holloway says it will ruin me ; that I ’ve 
^ undertook more hi a common man ’d lay out ter 
do, anyhow ; ’ but I assured the old gentleman 
that I did not consider myself a ^ common man ' 
by any means, but that I was my mother’s son 
and meant to be worthy of my parentage.” 

Motherkin, that flattery is intended to wheedle 
the price of the ^ express wagon ’ out of your 
pocket ! ” cried Beatrice, again, divining at once 
the thought of her mother’s mind. 

Not that wheedling ” had any connection with 
the anxiety of the widow, but that she reflected, 
with grave doubts of its wisdom, how deeply she 
was dipping into their small sinking fund. She 
looked up smilingly, but asked seriously enough. 
How much will that cost ? ” 

From thirty to forty dollars.” 

It will take you many days to get back that 
much money, even if the experiment proves a 
success. The houses are very scattered, and most 
of the people about us either very wealthy or very 
poor, — mill-workers and farm-employees. Miss 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 225 

Brook told me. How can either class need such 
service ? ” 

Roland’s countenance fell. He felt the wide 
difference between the caution of maturity and the 
impulse of youth, and already foresaw that he 
would be obliged to relinquish his plan, for the 
w^ant of that paltry sum.” But he hated to give 
up, and offered a suggestion : I ’m sure, since he 
proposed it, that Mr. Brook will lend me the 
money.” 

Mrs. Beckwith’s answer was swift and decided : 

Dismiss that notion at once. With my consent 
my children shall never run into debt. What we 
have of our own, what we can earn, that we may 
use ; but the moment we begin to use other people’s 
funds, that moment we not only sacrifice our own 
dignity but our freedom. Mr. Brook is a rich 
man. I do not doubt that he would give you 
outright the cart you wish ; but you must be as 
honorable as he. Poverty need make no differ- 
ence that way, thank God. We have sometimes 
gone pretty hungry, but we have never owed any- 
body yet. If you think I seem niggardly about 
the little left of our ^ insurance money,’ it is be- 
cause I dare not reduce our rainy-day stock by any 
further great amount. However, I will myself see 
Mr. Brook in the morning and talk the matter 
16 


226 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


over with him. I have no desire to be over-pru- 
dent, but there are some questions I should like 
to ask. Now, Beatrice, if you are ^ dried,’ please 
open the piano. It is high time a band of toilers 
went to rest.” 

The devotions of the little family were very 
simple, and the mother always led them. It was 
mostly a service of song, and sent each heart away 
into the silence of the night the better and hap- 
pier for its sweetness. This time, despite the 
resolution that it should not last long, it was pro- 
longed, indeed, until brought to a sudden terminus 
by Robert going to sleep in an upright position at 
his mother’s elbow, and losing his balance, fall- 
ing headlong against the piano ke3^s with a dis- 
cordant crash ! 

Finale ! Positively the last appearance, and 
therefore the last accident, for the day of ^ Mr. 
Humpty-Dump’ ! ” cried Roland, and unceremo- 
niously picked up his small brother and started 
stairwards with him. 

Ain’t asleep ! Sleep ’self ! Lemme ’lone ! 
I want — I want a bee — a chick — a — a — 
h-e-n — ” 

In five minutes the little fellow was in his own 
cosey nest,” unconscious how he arrived there, 
and dreaming of a poultry-house full of downy 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 227 

chickens helping him to eat honey from a broken 
custard-cup. 

The last to fall asleep that night under the 
old-time roof was Isabelle. Long after the 
others were at rest she sat by the uncurtained 
window of her studio,” watching the clouds in 
the sky, and feeling anything but happy. 

All the others are so busy, and all are earn- 
ing their own money except me ! Oh ! nobody 
knows how hard it is ! To give up everything I 
liked and bury myself alive in a horrid country 
town, which isn’t even a village, but a col- 
lection of scattered tenements, with people living 
in them who never call upon their neighbors, 
except, of course, the Brooks. But they ought 
to be kind ; they enticed us here ! Though I 
did think this morning it all was going to be 
better and easier ; to-night I ’m utterly discour- 
aged. If it were n’t for breaking my mother’s 
heart, I ’d run away ! ” 

Poor Isabelle ! She had been the show 
pupil ” of her class, and the real talent she did 
possess had been magnified by injudicious praise 
into what was genius ” in her own estimation. 
She had been the only one who had disliked the 
country project, and she found her trials even 
greater than she had anticipated. 


228 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Presently, by dwelling upon the dark side of 
her lot, she had worked herself up into a most 
unenviable state of mind, and had thrown herself 
dramatically upon the floor to sob her grief away. 
But after a while she became conscious of some 
noise outside the building, and timidity very 
promptly banished melodrama. 

She sat up and strained her ears to hear. 

Crunch ! crunch ! crunch ! 

Why — it — sounds — like — like — wheels ! ” 
she murmured with chattering teeth. 

Whack ! bang ! ” 

Surely that was a muttered imprecation which 
she caught ! 

Thieves ? Housebreakers ? 

She neither dared to move nor cry out ; but 
the five minutes she remained where she was 
seemed to her a lifetime. At the end of that 
space the echo of retreating footsteps was so plain 
that she rallied her courage and ran into Bonny’s 
room, crying: ^^Wake up! wake up! We’ve 
been robbed ! Burglars — Oh ! ” 

Yes, dear, I ’m sorry. I won’t do it again ! ” 
responded Beatrice, sleepily. 


CHAPTER XVIII. 


Robert’s occupation gone. 

I T was such an absurd answer that Isabelle 
laughed. In the laughter much of her fear, 
and all of her anger against her sister, vanished. 
With the quick rebound of her loving nature she 
clasped her arms about the neck of the sleepy 
Beatrice and kissed her heartily. 

The disturbed secretary sat up and demanded : 
What is the matter, eh ? Oh, I remember. 
Well, I ’m sorry. Belle. It was horrid of me, 
though I did n’t intend to do it. I ’d make you 
some more custards if Mother would let me ; 
but I suppose she would say we could not afford 
so much luxury twice in the same week.” 

It does not matter what the elder girl replied. 
The reconciliation was complete, and once more 
two young hearts were beating high with aspira- 
tions after better things, although, it must be 
confessed. Bonny’s ideas were rather vaguely 
exalted, owing to her drowsiness ; but Belle was 


230 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


keenly self-reproachful, and exclaimed earnestly : 

I wonder why we never learn to be what we 
mean to be. It seems as if life were one long 
season of acting hatefully and trying to make 
amends. Why can’t we be good ? ” 

Give it up.” Yawn. And, dearie, I ’m so 
sleepy I don’t know what to do with myself. 
Are n’t you ? ” 

I dare not go to sleep, I expect we have been 
robbed of everything we possess ! ” As the recol- 
lection returned to her of the real cause for her 
present visit, Isabelle felt her timidity also return, 
and, shaking her sister to keep that drowsy one’s 
eyes open till she could tell the whole story, re- 
peated what she had already tried twice to make 
the somnolent secretary comprehend. 

Ye-es. H’m-m!” Yawn. Well, we’re — 
all — right, are n’t — we ? ” 

Don’t you understand? Won’t you under- 
stand ? We have been robbed ! B-u-r-g-l-a-r-s ! ” 
cried the other, spelling the terrible word letter 
by letter. 

Yes, that ’s right. I used to — spell it — 
1-e-r-s. I spelled — ^ Coleoptera ’ — with a K ; 
and Mr. Brook nearly had a spasm. I — I — 
won’t do it again, I promise you.” Yawn. 

Goodness ! She ’s asleep already ! I don’t 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


231 


believe she will remember one single thing of this 
in the morning. I wonder if I ought to tell 
Mother ! But Roland is the one, I suppose ; 
only—" 

The thought entered the girl’s mind, what if 
she told nobody, but kept her knowledge to 
herself and watched for more evidence before she 
aroused the weary sleepers? Wouldn’t that be 
the more unselfish way ? And if she were really 
in earnest about trying to be as noble as her 
mother desired, was not unselfishness a bottom 
principle, and might she not begin then as well 
as later ? 

She answered her own questioning by casting 
one more smiling glance upon the sleeper before 
her, and, by the light of the shaded lamp, which 
was always kept burning in the central hall from 
which all their bedrooms opened, making her way 
noiselessly back to her own apartment. 

There she listened critically ; but all was silent 
without, save for the peaceful sounds of insects in 
the trees and the plashing of the river at the foot 
of the bluff. Then she carefully dressed herself 
and sat down to await developments. 

Dear me ! Nothing does happen, after all ! 
And how cold it seems sitting about alone in the 
night-time ! I — I believe I ’ll just creep inside the 


232 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


bed covers and watch there ! It would be safer 
as regards taking cold, and fan more comfor- 
table ! ” 

Deluded girl ! As she crept into bed in her 
full, every-day attire, and the strength of her 
brave resolution, she put herself deliberately in 
temptation’s way. Nature revenged herself, and 
in less than three minutes the burglar watcher 
was as sound asleep as Beatrice across the hall. 
When she was aroused again the sunlight of 
another day shone through her little skylight, and 
Bonny was shouting from below stairs : Hurrah ! 
hurrah! Isabelle! Is-a-belle ! Wake up and come 
down ! Glory — magnificence — Hurry ! No 
matter about clothes ! Come ! ” 

Next an onrush of small limbs up the winding 
staircase, and Robert bounded into the room to 
precipitate himself headlong upon his sister’s bed. 

Why don’t you come. Belle ? Here we ’ve all been 
yelling at you like ever’ thing ! They ’s — My 
jimminy. Belle ! Do you go to bed with your 
clothes on ? I bet, if my mother knew that, 
she ’d punish you ! Eh ? What ’s the matter ? 
What makes you stare so ? ” 

Clothes ? Why, is it morning ? ” 

Is it morning ? I should say it ’s most noon ! 
An’ a wagon — But I won’t tell. Only — 









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“Why, folks! what’s all this?” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 233 

Mother! Belle went to bed in her clothes, an’ 
they ’re all wrinkly up ! ” 

Go downstairs at once, Robert I ” commanded 
the sister as sternly as she could, and dragged her- 
self to the window. But from that side of the 
house nothing unusual was to be seen, and, begin- 
ning to think over her last night’s fright, she 
smiled at her own plight. ‘^Mother will be sure, 
to ask why I did this, and my freshly ironed gown 
is sadly tumbled, after all. Humph 1 I wonder if 
I dreamed the whole thing 1 ” 

Ten minutes later, after a hasty toilet and 
freshening of her garb, she descended to the lower 
floor only to find it deserted and the whole family 
congregated on the west side of the house, gazing 
with surprise and perplexity upon a shining 
express wagon ” which stood there. 

Why, folks ! what ’s all this ? ” 

That ’s exactly what we wish to find out,” 
returned Mrs. Beckwith, turning a very smiling 
face toward her belated daughter. Some fairies 
must have been at work here during the night, 
and we cannot guess who they are. Rather, we 
may guess, but I do not feel at all sure. See 1 
isn’t it really handsome?” 

There was no mistaking that the vehicle was 
intended for one of them ; for on the brand-new 


234 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


curtains which covered its sides was plainly 
painted, Parcel Express,” and on the box of the 
wagon, at the back, a modest legend : Beckwith, 
The Lindens, New Windsor, N. Y.” 

Of course it ’s from the Brooks,” asserted 
Isabelle, promptly. 

Of course it is n’t,” returned Beatrice, her 
feet beating a restless tattoo to her joyful thoughts, 
because here is a note pinned to the cushion of the 
seat.” And she tossed the other the paper, which 
each of the family had scrutinized in turn. 

“ To whom it may concern : This cart is for the young 
farmer. It does not come from either Mr. or Miss 
Brook, but from another well-wisher, who hopes it will 
be accepted in the same spirit with which it is offered. 

“A Friend.” 


A friend, I should think so ! ” 

Is n’t it queer that none of us heard it brought 
here ? ” asked Roland, whose eyes were shining 
even more dazzlingly than the varnish of the 
express ” in the sunshine. 

But one of us did ; I heard it,” said Belle. 
And did n’t tell us ? ” 

I thought it was burglars.” 

Burglars! Pshaw! If you’d only looked 
out you might be able to tell who rolled the thing 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


235 


here. I can’t wait to know to whom I am 
indebted, to thank him or her. Mother, are you 
sure it isn’t you?” 

Perfectly sure ; besides, my son, you have 
asked me that question already a half-dozen times, 
and each time I have answered that I knew no 
more about the matter than you do. I wish I 
did ; I don’t quite like — ” 

Now, Motherkin 1 Of course you will let us 
keep it ! I know what you are thinking ; but if 
my Laureate has enough sense to be willing to 
drive an ^ Express Parcel ’ or a ^ Parcel Express ’ 
for the good of the house of Beckwith, I hope you 
won’t put rocks in his road ! ” 

It is from somebody who knew how much I 
wanted it ; that is plain. It must be from the 
Brooks ! ” 

“ No, dears ; I do not think they would stoop 
to a falsehood even to confer a kindness. At 
least, if they would, I am disappointed in them.” 

Wull, wull, ain’t we never goin’ ter eat our 
breakfasses ? ” demanded Robert, suddenly. 

^^Yes, yes, indeed. For work-a-day folks we 
are very late. But, Isabelle, what is this about 
your sleeping in your clothes ? ” 

Oh, Mother, it seems awfully silly to 
tell!” 


236 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


No secrets in this household, Belle ! cau- 
tioned Bonny. 

Thus adjured, the whole story came out, and it 
was many a long day before Isabelle heard the 
last of her going to bed to watch burglars. 

Everybody would turn her or his chair at table 
so that the new possession was in sight, and their 
tongues wagged so continually that the meal was 
long protracted; and before it was through Mr. 
Dolloway had come across fields to pay his regu- 
lar morning call. He had an unexpressed opinion 
that the ^^new family” would come to griefs inde- 
scribable if he did not keep a protecting guard 
over them. 

Hoity, toity ! What ’s this ? What — in — 
the — world is this ? Must be getting million- 
aires over here ! ” exclaimed the old man, in 
apparently intense surprise. 

Oh ! Mr. Dolloway ! Do you know anything 
about it?” cried Bonny, running to the window 
and leaning eagerly out. 

I never saw the thing in my life before.” 

You did n’t ? Then away goes my last idea ! 
Of course, if either Mr. or Miss Brook had given 
it, you would have known ! ” 

Mr. Dolloway did not comment upon this opin- 
ion. He merely began to walk about the new 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


237 


vehicle and examine it with the eye of a connois- 
seur in express wagons. ‘‘H’ni-ml Tears to be 
purty well put together.” 

Well put together ! ” exclaimed Eoland, join- 
ing their visitor. It 's perfect. Whoever picked 
it out knew what was what ! ” 

Humph ! I should like to know what you, a 
city feller, know about wagons ! ” 

Well, if I never owned one I have seen them 
by the thousands, yes, the millions, I suppose ; 
and I know this looks exactly like those the dry- ’ 
goods’ houses send out. And the one at the last 
store I worked in might have been first cousin to 
the ^ Beckwith.’ ” 

H’m-m ! Sounds kind of top-lofty, don’t it ? 
You, a little, ign’runt sprat, a cornin’ into a town 
an’ a settin’ up a business that never was set up 
there afore ! ” 

Boland was in too good humor to resent the 
unpleasant candor of his old neighbor, so he 
merely whistled a bar from the Mikado,” and 
went on to call Mr. Dolloway’s attention to the 
various merits of his new possession. 

Humph ! Hain’t hitched her up yet, have you ? ” 
^^No; but I will, right away. Unless — 
Mother, is there anything I can do for you before 
I go to work ? ” 


238 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Nothing, thank you, my son.” 

Koland thereupon turned stable ward, and his 
old friend walked with him, smiling grimly. 

s’pose you don’t never forget to ask that 
question, do ye ? ” 

Not often. I don’t like to let my mother do 
any lifting if I can help it, and now that Bonny 
is away so much she might if I did n’t look after 
her.” 

‘‘H’m-m ! That’s right. An’ I reckon you’re 
a purty level-headed kind of a chap, after all, if I 
do take you to do now and again ; yes, yes, I 
do. So you hain’t no notion who gave you the 
wagon ? ” 

Unfortunately, no. Though, despite the 
neatly written note which declares to the con- 
trary, and my mother’s faith in its assertion, 1 
think it must be one or other of the kindly 
Brooks. You see we know nobody else here- 
about who would trouble to be kind to us.” 

Hey, diddle diddle ! You don’t, hey ? Well, 
I guess them folks hain’t got a monopoly of all 
the goodness there is in the world !” 

That sounds as if you resented my thinking 
it was a gift from them ! ” 

An’ I do, lad, I do. I hain’t a claimin’ no 
superiority to your ma’s jedgment when I say 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


239 


that she is old enough to look further than one 
family afore she gives up findin’ out.” 

^^Wellj we mustn’t quarrel over it, anyway. 
Somebody, I do not know who, has been very, 
very generous to us ; and I am too grateful and 
happy to question very deeply into the matter 
now. It is sure to come out, sooner or later. So 
I think, and I shall watch as sharply as I can for 
indications of the giver. Hello, Nan ! You ’re 
in luck to-day 1 You ’re to try a brand-new 
business ! ” 

There was a loud houp-la ! and Robert had 
joined them. Say, Mr. Holloway! Don’t you 
s’pose my chickens ’ill be out to-day ? ” 

Humph ! I don’t s’pose anything of the sort. 
But I am so everlasting tired of hearing about 
them that I fetched you over a brood already 
hatched out. What do ye say to that?” 

Gol — I mean — hurra 1 Did you ? Honest 
Injun ?” 

^^I ain’t give to makin’ no statements I don’t 
mean.” 

Where are they ? ” 

Where ’s the place for chickens, anyway ? ” 

Off bounded the delighted lad, but half-way to 
the poultry-house turned and ran back again. 
^^Will you come with me, Mr. Dolloway?” 


240 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Well, I guess I ’ll get you taught 
some kind of manners if I keep on, I really do. 
In course I ’ll come, an’ show you how to tend 
’em. But I ’ll tell you, first ofi, I hain’t goin’ to 
have any tomfoolery with ’em.” 

I — I dunno what you mean ! ” 

You don’t, hey ? ” 

^^No,” answered Robert, so honestly that the 
old man believed him. 

You may not know now^ you may have for- 
got; but you knowed yest’day. What was you 
a-doin’ with a fish-line in the hen-house, hey ? ” 

It ain’t your hen-house ! I mean — that ’s 
sassy, but — ” 

Ha, ha, ha ! ” chuckled the veteran. Got 
caught, hain’t ye ? S’posin’ I tell your ma ? ” 
Humph ! I ’d jest as soon tell her myself, 
only I forgot it. I will, the first time I remem- 
ber. Anyhow, it did n’t do no harm ! ” 

What is it, Mr. Holloway ?” asked the widow, 
who made it a point herself to visit the poultry- 
house immediately after breakfast and see that the 
fowls were properly fed, and who now joined them 
there. 

Hello, Motherkin ! I — yest’day - — I — W ull, 
it did n’t do no harm.” 

’T ain’t so easy as you thought, eh, Bubby ?” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 241 

Easy ’nough. Yest’day I had some fun with 
the hens ; that ’s all.” 

What kind of fun, Robert ? ” 

^^Wull, I had a fish-line, an’ you wouldn’t 
lemme fish, not fer fish ; so I fished fer hens, 
that ’s all.” 

Fished — for — hens ! ” 

Yep. My cracky ! you ’d ’a’ died a laughin’ ! 
I put the hook through a kernel of corn and 
throwed it to ’em, and they’d gobble at it like 
anything! Then I ’d pull ’em in; but it mostly 
came out of their mouths before I landed ’em.” 

Robert Beckwith 1 I can scarcely believe my 
own ears ! How do you learn such cruelty ? 
It must be born in you, though, for you certainly 
never copied it from your elder brother. In all 
his life I never knew Roland to wilfully hurt 
a creature of any kind ; but you — ” 

Oh, Motherkin 1 You would n’t scold your 
dear little boy fer a little thing like that, would 
you ? It did n’t hurt the hens, not a bit.” 

No, no ! It did n’t hurt the hens ; but why, 
you shaver ? ” demanded Mr. Holloway, who 
greatly enjoyed his small tormentor’s predica- 
ment, yet who really was growing very fond 
of him. 

’Cause a man — he come an’ told me to stop. 

16 


242 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


But I had some more fun ’at he did n’t get onto, 
afterwards ! ” 

Mrs. Beckwith sighed and dropped upon a 
bench. There were times when her ^^dear little 
boy ” tried her very soul. 

AVhat else did you do ? ” demanded Mr. Dollo- 
way, sternly. 

A boy come along an’ I asked him in. That s 
p’lite, was n’t it ? ” 

Robert, you are to invite no visitors without 
my knowledge.” 

Wull, I won’t again, then. But you hadn’t 
told me, er I ’d forgot. An’ he showed me how 
to put ’em to sleep. You just take a hen er a 
chicken an’ put its head under its wing fer it, an’ 
shake it up lively — side to side, like, a keepiiT 
its head tight under — an’ you can stan’ ’em up 
in reg’lar rows. When I get a lot I’m goin’ to 
make ’em play soldier, that way. Soldiers asleep, 
though, they’d be, wouldn’t they?” 

You ’ll do nothing of the kind with any of 
my hens an’ chickens ! ” exclaimed Mr. Dolloway, 
hotly, and picking up the basket which contained 
the family of fluffy little creatures he had brought 
for a gift, he started toward the door. 

Please, Mr. Dolloway ! I ’ll be good ! I ’ll 
be as good as I can be ! Won’t you leave ’em ? ” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


243 


Mrs. Beckwith knew how one feels to have 
a gift returned upon one’s hands, and she quietly 
interposed: ^^Yes, Mr. Dolloway, please consider 
the matter for a moment. I assure you that I 
had no idea my boy was torturing the poor 
creatures committed to his charge, and I have 
always overlooked their feeding for myself. But, 
after hearing what I have just now, only one 
course is left to me. I now take the poultry 
away from Robert altogether. He will be allowed 
no further connection with this business ; but if 
you can trust me with your pretty present, I will 
do my best to rear the chickens safely. Until a 
boy learns the first simple rule of ^ doing as he 
would be done by,’ he is unfit for any post of 
honor.” 

That is spoke like a lady, as I always found 
you, Mrs. Beckwith ; an’ I think myself ’at Bobby 
is too young to be let have sech full swing, an’ 
it ’ll do me proud to leave the brood to you.” 
Saying which, the kind, if gruh old fellow bowed 
profoundly to the lady, but cast a withering glance 
upon his worsted foe. 

Mother, Mother ! do you mean it ? Ain’t I 
no hen-keeper no more ? ” 

No, my dear ; and it is your own fault that 
this is so.” 


CHAPTER XIX. 


Robert’s happy guess. 

/^ANLY six weeks at The Lindens and I feel 
as if it had been home forever ! ” cried 
Bonny, returning from her day of service in Mr. 
Brook’s study. ^^The old life in that Second 
Avenue flat seems like a dream.” 

That is the result of your busy life, my dear ; 
and I am most sincerely thankful that our ven- 
ture here does not really lose its charm for us, as 
time passes. We are all happier than Isabelle, 
though ; and I regret her feeling more than I can 
say.” 

She ’s trying ever so hard to be contented, 
Motherkin, and I hoped she was succeeding.” 

She will succeed. No honest effort ever failed 
of a certain success. She may never be as happy 
here as we are, however, for her nature is dif- 
ferent. She craves luxuries and refinements 
which we could do without. I wish I could con- 
trol them for her ! ” And Mrs. Beckwith sighed 
gently. 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


245 


^^Now, dearie, don't go for to yearn for the 
moon. Be satisfied that so many of your brood 
are doing well, and maybe Isabelle will work out 
her own contentment some way. Oh ! before I 
forget it and get bee-stung to the exclusion of 
other thoughts, Miss Joanna is to give a dinner- 
party to-morrow. She handed me the invitation 
for you and Belle yesterday, and I did n’t think to 
take it out of my pocket last night. You see, the 
bees were swarming, and that was all I wanted to 
do then." 

My dear ! and I suppose she expected an 
acceptance or the reverse this morning." 

Yes ; but I assured her you would come." 

You had no right to do that, for I cannot 
avail myself of her kindness to this extent." 

I should like to know why not ? " 

Many reasons why not. I do not wish her to 
feel any compulsion in social matters, regarding 
us. We are not rich people, and all of the Brooks’ 
guests are. Our especial host and hostess would 
doubtless enjoy our coming, as they always seem 
to do, but I should not enjoy putting myself upon 
a false standing. My self-respect would not per- 
mit ; though I will write a note at once, and one 
of you must take it across fields to Miss Brook." 
Mrs. Beckwith rose as she spoke, and Beatrice 


246 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


hastened to clasp her mother’s waist with restrain- 
ing arms. 

Please, Motherkin, I haven’t finished my 
story; I had only begun. You know it takes 
forty times as many words for me to tell a thing 
in as for anybody else. Miss Joanna foresaw just 
this behavior on your part, Motherkin darling, 
so she was forearmed. She says she shall take it 
as positively unneighborly if you do not come. 
She wishes you to meet these ^ old families,’ folks 
who have been aristocrats so long that they have 
forgotten how to be snobbish, if they ever knew. 
You will enjoy them, and they you. Our friends 
were very, very emphatic in their urgency. But 
that is n’t all ; she wanted to know if I thought 
Isabelle would come over to-morrow early, and 
arrange her rooms for her. She says she has 
watched Belle, and everything she touches takes on 
a different look from what anybody else can give it. 
Of course, the old furniture is not to be disturbed. 
Miss Brook would as soon think of laying aside 
her own gray gown as banishing one stick of that 
venerable, upholstered stuff. But it ’s flowers and 
things ; some new pictures, and — Motherkin ! such 
a surprise ! I ’m not going to tell you — not even 
Miss Brook knows — but I hope with all the hope 
that is in me that my sister will not refuse to go.” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


247 


Certainly she will not refuse to do so simple 
a neighborly act for Miss Brook. The dining 
there is another matter.” 

All right ; if she T1 only go the first time, in 
the morning, that is all I ask. The rest will fol- 
low ; it is positively certain. Will you ask her ? ” 
Yes. But are you going to the bees before 
supper ? ” 

I must. This is the time of greatest need 
for watching. Yet I’m' tired! Hard work is n’t 
all fun, is it, Motherkin ? and 1 ’ve worked awfully 
hard to-day I ” 

More busily than usual ? ” 

It seems so. Good Mr. Brook does get so 
interested in his catalogue, and he is apparently 
so delighted with my superior merits as a secre- 
tary, that he forgets himself and would keep me 
writing right along till midnight, I believe, if 
it weren’t for dear Miss Joanna or interfering 
Mr. Holloway. By the way. Mother, something 
is wrong with that man. He ’s offended with 
the Beckwiths, root and branch. I fancied it 
was only his normal condition to be so ^ all-fired ’ 
cross, but Mr. Brook informed me that he was 
suffering from a worse attack than common. He 
also hinted that we were responsible for it, and 
mentioned unappreciated kindness.” 


248 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Why, Beatrice ! I thought we had tried to 
express our gratitude continually. He is, in 
truth, very kind, though sometimes a bit offi- 
cious, it seems to me. I do not suffer from this 
officiousness personally, but it annoys the others, 
especially Koland. The lad is trying so hard and 
is growing so manly and reliable that I can’t 
bear to have him fretted. However, I will try to 
be even more particular in future to express our 
obligation. If you are going among the hives 
now, call Kobert to go with you. He is out of 
doors somewhere.” 

Robert called himself, though, for he appeared 
at the open doorway with a very red face and an 
excited manner. At it again, Bon ! Hurry up 
an’ get your bee clothes on ! I’ve got mine here ! 
I do hope they ain’t a goin’ to swarm on top of 
no more trees, anyhow ! ” 

^^I thought you liked the danger of climbing 
to the top. Lieutenant ! ” returned Bonny, hastily 
donning her veil and gloves, and taking her long- 
handled net in her hand. 

Robert also put on his protectors, in his haste 
getting the hat wrong side to the fore, and trying 
to wear the thumb of his glove on the back of 
his hand ; but such trifling irregularities as tliese 
were nothing to him, and he followed his sister 
hastily. 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


249 


Alas ! They are n't going to light ! And 
we ’ve nothing to do but walk around after them 
and await their good pleasure ! ” cried Bonny, in 
disgust, after a half-hour’s loss of time. 

“ Pooh ! I hate bees, anyway ! An’ I guess I ’ll 
give up the business ! ” 

^ Humpty-Dumpty ’ ! Leave poor Bonny all 
alone ?” 

^^Wull, wull, a body can’t work hisself to 
death, can he ? Here I have to go ridin’ round 
all every other day with the ’spress wagon. 
Boland thinks he can’t get nothin’ done if I don’t 
go to hold the horse an’ pick up parcels, an’ — 
an’ — I ’ll quit.” 

^^Pooh ! your own self. You couldn’t be hired 
to let that cart go out of the grounds without 
your small highness perched up in front. And if 
I had nothing to do but drive around the country 
three times a week and a little studying on the 
off days, I should think I was a lucky boy. 
Besides — There they go ! Up with you! Soft- 
ly, now I Oh dear ! I wish I could climb as 
fast as you, and had as great a gift with bugs 
and things I ” cried the sister, enviously. 

Bobert paused half-way up the trunk of the 
tree he was ascending, and cast an inquiring 
glance Bonnyward, but, seeing that she was really 


250 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


sincere in her admiration, he condescended to 
proceed on his way. At last, in the bee busi- 
ness ” there did appear to be a fitting field for 
the restless boy’s energy. Thus far he had been 
very faithful to his part of the work, the watch- 
ing over the apiary — as they called their few 
hives of bees — during Beatrice’s absence at Mr. 
Brook’s; and the lesson he had learned by having 
his poultry taken away from him seemed fruitful 
of good results. 

It was an hour later that the two young 
apiarists entered the dining-room and sat down 
to the delayed supper for which their appetites 
had been ready long before. 

Why, Motherkin ! Strawberries ? Where did 
you get them ? ” 

A gift, my dears ! I saved them till you two 
came in, that we might eat them all together. 
Another gift from the generous, grufi Mr. Dollo- 
way. He offered them in the oddest way. Said 
he had been to Newburgh to order some things 
for Miss Joanna, which could not be left for 
Roland’s trip to-morrow, and saw these early 
berries in the market. He ^ did n’t know why we 
should n’t eat strawberries early in the season as 
well as anybody else ! ’ and more to the same 
point. I wish I knew what was the matter with 


AJyiONG THE LINDENS. 


251 


liim^ and he must indeed be very fond of some 
of us, if he continues to lavish kindnesses upon 
us, even while he believes he has reason to be 
offended. The strange, poor old man ! ” 

They had none of them perceived a face look- 
ing in at the open window, for the lighted lamp 
upon their table left them illuminated while caus- 
ing the world outside the window to remain in 
darkness ; but, finally, a scraping Ahem ! brought 
every glance about, and Robert paused with a 
spoonful of berries half raised toward his mouth. 

Hello ! Who ’s there ? Oh ! Dolloway — Mr. 
Dolloway, I mean — what you doin’ scarin’ folks 
that way ? ” 

Hearin’ my neighbors’ honest opinion of 
me.” 

There was an awkward silence, which Mrs. Beck- 
with broke by saying gently : You could not 

have heard anything inimical to you, Mr. Dollo- 
way, though you must have learned our perplex- 
ity. Please come in, and share the feast you 
have so generously provided us. But, what is far 
more my desire, please explain frankly in what we 
have hurt your feelings or seemed ungrateful for 
all your neighborliness. Will you not?” 

The old servant — for such he considered him- 
self still, though he was treated quite as an 


252 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


equal by nearly all who knew him — rarely re- 
fused a request of Mrs. Beckwith. He had come 
intending to sit an hour in that cheery peace 
room,” and though he had been momentarily 
angered by hearing himself the subject of discus- 
sion, he now swallowed his pique and entered. 

Robert jumped down from the table and ran 
with a dish of the fragrant fruit to the visitor, 
but was waved grimly away. No, I don’t give 
things an’ then come an’ eat ’em up.” Nor could 
any persuasions prevail upon him to change his 
mind. 

In almost any other household the situation 
would have been highly uncomfortable ; for, as 
Belle fancied, Mr. Dolloway sat jealously watch- 
ing every morsel vanish, and looking as if he had 
conferred an everlasting obligation upon them 
all ; but they were too really sincere in their lik- 
ing for the odd old man and too busily occupied 
with their own interests to pay really much 
attention to this. 

Suddenly the guest demanded, Goin’ parcel- 
lin’ to-morrow, young man ? ” 

Yes, sir ; I expect to do so.” 

H’m-m ! Like the wagon, I s’pose ? ” 

I do like it very much. It is perfect for my 
business, so light and yet so strong ; and the can- 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


253 


vas cover makes such a good shelter from rain in 
case of these sudden showers.” 

H’m-m ! ” said Mr. Dolloway, gruffly, “ h’m-m ! ” 
Robert, having devoured all that he could find, 
now concluded that he was satisfied with his sup- 
per, and leaving his place crossed over to the 
lounge and perched himself beside Mr. Dolloway. 
Say, I bet you know who give us that wagon ! ” 
The old fellow fairly jumped. What ’s that 
you say ? What ’s that ? ” 

I said I just bet a sixpence you know who 
give it to us ! I — Ginger ! I — Mr. Dolloway — 
did n’t you do it yourself ? ” 

One could certainly have heard a pin drop, in 
the silence which succeeded this question. Then 
the guest cried sharply, What makes you so 
much quicker witted than the rest o’ your 
folks?” 

Mr. Dolloway ! Is it possible ? Has Robert 
really guessed the truth?” asked Roland, hurry- 
ing to the old man’s side. 

''I hain’t nothin’ to say. I hain’t a single 
thing to say.” 

Just yes or no ? Please, just yes or no ! ” 

Well, s’posin’ I do. What better ofi will you 
all be then ? ” 

This much better, that we shall at length 


254 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


have a chance to thank the real donor. I have 
tried again and again to make Mr. Brook acknowl- 
edge that he was our benefactor, but in that 
respect he has as steadily denied the charge. But 
he, too, has intimated that we ought to know who 
had been good to us. And — I never thought of 
you ! I — it you, Mr. Dolloway ? ’’ 

Queer old man ! All the anger and gruffness 
disappeared from his manner instantly. His 
spare face softened and grew genial, his eyes 
beamed, his smile became cheery. Still, not until 
Kobert had climbed upon his lap and with eager 
arms clasped about his neck had declared posi- 
tively, I know it ’s you just the same ’s if I saw^ 
you, you . can’t fool me any longer ! ” did the 
truth out. 

^‘Well, I thought it was a pity, seein’ you 
young folks so smart and ambitious, that you 
did n’t have more of a lift. I know it ain’t my 
master’s way to give things outright. He says 
folks don’t gen’ally like it ; but if I give I give, 
an’ that ’s all they is to it.” 

But, dear Mr. Dolloway, why did you so mis- 
lead us ? You said you had never seen that 
wagon before you came over here the morning 
when we found it ! ” 

An’ I told you the gospel truth. I never had.” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


255 


But you did give it to us ? ” 

I — I — s’ pose I did, seein’ as you ask me 
square.” 

The delayed thanks were now offered with 
double earnestness, and each word of gratitude 
was balm to the wounded spirit of the lonely old 
man. 

I s’pose you think it queer o’ me, ma’am, to 
have showed so much feelin’ ’bout a trifle like 
that. But I don’t lay no claim to perfection. 
I like to give things, but — I like to be thanked 
for ’em when I do. I s’pose that ’s carnal human 
natur’, but it’s the truth. An’ I did enjoy the 
surprise of you all, a plaguy sight; but when 
you got to thinkin’, an’ nothin’ didn’t seem to 
alter the notion ’at nobody ’ceptin’ Mr. Brook or 
his sister could do a generous action, I was mad. 
I ain’t nobody but a servin’-man, an’ I don’t 
make no pretence.' But I am what I am, in the 
right place, or the Lord would n’t ’a’put me there. 
An’ ’cause I am a servant don’t bender my givin’ 
a present, now and again, if T want to, does it ? ” 
^^In one way — no. But, my dear sir, I feel 
as if this were too rich a gift. You may have 
let your generosity silence your prudence. Ought 
you to do so much for us ? I hope you under- 
stand I mean this just as gratefully.” 


256 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


I do understand you, ma’am. An’ I will 
say that I never met a lady as was as considerate 
of the feelin’s of others as you be. Not even 
exceptin’ Miss Brook, as is a lady every inch of 
her. But you needn’t worry about the cost of 
that wagon. It didn’t take but one month’s 
wages to pay for it. A pity I could n’t do that 
much for old Mr. Conrad’s sake. Though he was 
young Mr. Conrad when I knew him ; and many ’s 
the bout we all have had together, — Master and 
him an’ me. ^ Waive formality for once,’ Mas- 
ter ’d say ; an’ down we ’d sit to as big a dinner 
as the city of New York could furnish. You see 
fellows that was Forty-Niners together did get a 
little mixed up as to who was boss and who was n’t 
when they got to talkin’ over old times. Nothin’ 
like a ^ Vigilance Committee ’ to take the non- 
sense out o’ folks, I tell you ! ” 

Once started on his Californian reminiscences, 
experience had taught them that Mr. D olio way 
rarely left the theme till actually forced to do so ; 
and Bonny, foreseeing an extra dose of Cali- 
fornia ” coming now, interrupted the discussion 
promptly. Who did buy the wagon if you 
did not ? ” 

^^Mr. Brook, Mr. Brook himself. I didn’t 
like to trust his judgment in the matter, but I 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


257 


had to. I had the rheumatiz that day, an’ he was 
goin’ into town, so he selected it. Then the wagon- 
makers fixed it up fresh and sent it down. It 
was a brand-new one, though. It wasn’t none 
of your ^ second hands.’ Was you a-thinkin’ it 
was ? ” 

We did not think so for a minute. We knew 
it must be a new one.” 

An’ business is fa’rly successful, ain’t it ?” 

I think it is splendid. I am earning about 
three dollars a trip now, clear profit ; and I think 
I shall do still better later in the season, when 
more of the city people get out here to their 
country homes. You see, I flatter myself that 
I know how to do an errand well. I try to be 
exact, and I know — of two things — which seems 
the newer or better. I owe that to my late city 
training. Yes, I shall build up a really profitable 
business, soon. Then I sell already a good many 
early vegetables. I have sold all of one crop of 
pease, and have the second one coming on. It is 
‘ the early bird catches the worm ’ in the green- 
grocer or market-gardener business, in truth. 
By and by, when the people get their own gar- 
dens growing, my stock may have to go begging 
for a purchaser.” 

Humph ! Then I suppose you ’ll let us have 

17 


258 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


at least a smell of the pease-pods ! ” exclaimed 
Bonny, laughing. So far, I assure you, Mr. 
Doll o way, the enjoyment we have had in our 
^ early vegetables ’ has been the satisfaction of 
seeing them grow. But I have been more gen- 
erous. I have given the family enough honey to 
make each member of it sick ! ” 

Which was a long look ahead, my friend ! 
Because the family appetite is now cloyed, and 
honey may be left safely anywhere about without 
fear of its diminishing in quantity.” 

Mr. Dolloway laughed as heartily as the others, 
and, having stayed long enough to beat that 
young whipper-snapper of a Robert terribly ” 
over a game of checkers, departed homeward, in 
high good humor with himself and all the world. 

How funny ! If I had given anybody a sur- 
prise gift I don’t believe I ’d be angry if it proved 
the surprise I ” exclaimed Roland, as he closed the 
windows for the night. 

Don’t be too sure, my son. Almost every- 
body likes to be thanked for kindnesses conferred, 
and Mr. Dolloway is an old man, to whom all 
events are now great ones. The thing which 
worries me is his using his money, he a wage- 
earner himself, for us. It doesn’t seem right.” 

Don’t worry about that, Motherkin. I have 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


259 


heard Mr. Brook say that his ^ man ’ has several 
thousand dollars in the bank. You see he gets 
forty dollars a month, and his ^ keep.’ Besides 
that he has his clothing given him, and he has 
no relatives of whom he knows. I think my em- 
ployer told me these facts, in view of our feeling 
just this way about the wagon. It really will not 
hurt Mr. Dolloway to use some of his money, for 
they will always take care of him, anyway.” 

^^Well, it must rest as it is for the present. 
Only let each be carefully polite and attentive to 
the poor old fellow, that he may fully understand 
we do appreciate our obligations to him.” 

Yes, Motherkin. But there ’s somebody else 
who, I fancy, is deserving of some gratitude, — Mr. 
^ Humpty-Dumpty ’ ! But for his brightness we 
should still be at odds with our humble patron ! 
All in favor of thanking the Lieutenant of the 
Bee Squad, say. Aye ! ” 

Aye ! ” Aye ! ” 

Yes, really, thank you, my little boy.” 

Don’t mention it ! ” returned Robert, with a 
complete imitation of grown-ups and with his own 
inimitable little swagger. 

Whereupon everybody laughed again, and 
Bonny moved the piano-stool into place for her 
mother’s use. 


260 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Belle, I always like to have something nice to 
go to sleep on, — to think of, I mean, the last 
thing at night ; so I want you to hear. You are 
to go over to Miss Brook’s in the morning ; and 
you are going to be the very proudest, most' 
delighted young woman in Orange County ! ” 

So cried Bonny, tiptoeing into her sister’s room 
late that night, and rousing that tired maiden 
from her first nap. 

Why, Beatrice ! I was asleep. Have n’t you 
been in bed yet ? ” 

No ; I was doing some bee sums. If one 
hive of bees — ” 

Oh ! I protest ! ” 

If all the other members of the family are 
happy bread-winners and money-getters, why 
should n’t the ^ belle ’ of the family be one, too ? 
Answer to that conundrum in the morning at the 
residence of Miss Joanna Brook, spinster.” 


CHAPTER XX. 


WISTARIA. 

T X 7 HAT a fine, substantial, aristocratic-look- 
V V ing old place it is ! ’’ 

Isabelle’s thoughts, as she moved slowly up the 
long driveway to the Brook mansion, were almost 
envious. She had come across fields to fulfil the 
neighborly office which Miss Joanna had begged, 
and she had attached little importance to Bonny’s 
prophecy of a delightful surprise ” awaiting her. 

Indeed, what would have made Beatrice extrav- 
agantly happy would have scarcely appealed to 
Isabelle at all. The elder girl was fighting val- 
iantly to down discontent,” but so far her efforts 
had not been crowned with marked success. To 
accept the simple life which God had ordered for 
her was a bitter trial. She was not the first who 
has imagined it would be easy to do just right 
if — ” in some other way one could arrange 
one’s life. 

Why could n’t I have been born in such a 
home ? Why need my mother toil as she does ? 


262 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


And Roland, Bonny, even little Bob, lias to think 
each day how best to increase the family income ; 
while these old people, at the very end of life, 
have ten thousand times more than they can 
use or enjoy/' 

It was, indeed, a fine old place," rich with the 
accumulations of nearly a century of ownership 
by the same, always wealthy family. It stood 

four square to all the winds that blew," its back 
and front so exactly alike that it could not be 
said to put its finest to the world." On either 
end, immense fluted columns rose to the roof, 
which, extending over the wide veranda thus 
formed, gave protection to those who would enjoy 
these “ out-of-door rooms." 

The east veranda looked toward the river, the 
west upon the tree-lined avenue which led from 
the road, a quarter of a mile distant, through 
the park to the mansion. On either side, also, 
were gay parterres of choicest flowers, while a 

maze " of old-time box borders invited the 
curious to tread its quaintly constructed paths for 
a full mile of windings in and out, before one 
could emerge on the northern side, and upon a 
well-kept bridle-road, which led through the great 
forest on the bluff, down its sides to the river, the 
old embankments " and the well-preserved his- 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


263 


toric reminders of a day when the Chidly Brooks 
had fought and bled for freedom’s cause.” 

The stables and outbuildings were well to the 
south of the mansion, and on that side were also 
the kitchen offices, which in this well-ordered 
establishment were as freely open to inspection as 
any other part of Miss Joanna’s kingdom.” 

Ah ! my dear ! It is good of you to come so 
early ! That is exactly what I like : plenty of 
time to do things neatly and completely.” 

But, dear Miss Brook ! you are so quick and 
active I should think you would not ever take 
much time for anything ! You 'are certainly 
twice as spry as I am ! ” responded Isabelle, sur- 
prised from her revery by the salutation of her 
white-haired neighbor. 

I don’t know about that ! I don’t know 
about that ! I do know that the only way of 
making haste which I understand is to take such 
thought beforehand that I rarely make one blun- 
dering movement. I have never had time, even 
in my long life, to ^ hurry,’ but I have managed 
to accomplish about all I have set out to do.” 

And I do try to ^ hurry,’ but never succeed ! 
I am slow-motioned — a dreamer, my mother tells 
me ; and once in a while I get so behindhand 
that I put on steam and then — a smash up ! ’’ 


264 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Give it up, my child, give it up at once. 
Learn to use forethought instead of haste and 
you’ll be thankful all your life for doing so. 
But, dearie me ! how old lips do love to preach, 
and how distasteful it is to young ears to listen ! 
No, no, my child. I do not think you are im- 
patient. It is only that I remember so distinctly 
how I disliked to learn of anybody in this world 
— except Joanna Brook! But come in, come 
in. I have as many of these May roses as I 
think we can use. The others we will cut after 
these are in place. Did you ever see this earth 
more lovely than it is this very morning ? Oh, 
what a God 1 what a loving, generous God ! ” 
Isabelle looked up swiftly into the sweet old 
face, before her. She was sometimes startled 
by these sudden outbursts of feeling on Miss 
Joanna’s part; a person who ordinarily never 
preached,” but who seemed so full to overflow- 
ing of the love of God that her natural speech 
became, at times, as the speech of an alien. 

I suppose He is,” answered the girl, slowly. 
Miss Brook darted a glance into the beautiful 
face of the girl, and opened her lips quickly ; but 
the words she would have said she altered to the 
quiet remark : If you do not know, but only 
^ suppose,’ you will know some day. You would 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


265 


know now if it were His will. But come in. 
Let us begin at the front parlor first.” 

They ascended the steps and entered the great 
hall, which ran through the main floor of the 
house from back to front. Each entrance door 
stood widely open, and the outlook either way 
was entrancing. Isabelle forgot to be regretful 
for her own privations in the enjoyment of that 
scene. 

How lovely ! This would make such a pretty 
picture, if one might put it on canvas. This 
great hall, with the curious staircase, the old-time 
furniture, and that big, hospitable vista beyond! 
May I sketch it sometime. Miss Joanna ? ” 

Yes, indeed I And we would feel honored. 
Ah ! those old outside galleries, — galleries we 
called them, when I was young, — many’s the 
cotillon has been danced upon them, many the 
tea-party gathered there. See this table 1 It is 
a century and a half old. It is only about 
four feet in diameter, yet eighteen people have 
gathered about that bit of mahogany to drink 
a cup of tea, when tea was tea, my dear ! 
These are the cups ; they were my grand- 
mother’s. See ? ” 

The old lady stepped to a cabinet and took out 
a tiny cup and saucer of delicate china, thin as 


266 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


an egg-shell and no larger than the smaller end 
of one. often sit and muse over those old 

times. I can imagine the whole scene so well, 
and sometimes I almost find myself talking gos- 
sip with the dead-and-gone dames who drank to 
the success of ^ the army ’ in these same bits of 
cups. I must show you my grandmother’s gowns 
and things some day, my dear ; I think you 
would enjoy seeing them, even trying them on, 
if you like. Eh ? ” 

A moment’s thought flashed through Isabelle’s 
brain. Here were artistic possibilities open to her 
that the city could not have furnished, and her 
discontent vanished entirely. “ I should be 
very grateful, dear Miss Brook ! It would be a 
treasure-trove to me ! But sometime, after I 
have worked very, very faithfully to do better 
things than I ever have accomplished, will you 
sit to me for a sketch ? It sounds like the 
greatest presumption, yet would you ? ” 

Would I? Would I not? I should be de- 
lighted! Make a trial right away, to-morrow 
if you can. I should love to give a new picture 
of myself to Chidly. The last one I had painted 
was when I was middle-aged, in ^ my prime ’ 
some flatterers said, ^ neither hay nor grass,’ 1 
said. I had outgrown the dimples of youth and 







There was no answer, and I\Tiss Joanna turned 

ABOUT SWIFTLY.” 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


267 


I had not acquired the finish of age. I ’in in iny 
prime now, I fancy, as near as I ever shall be 
until God sends Azrael to lay the touch of perfect 
peace upon my restless lips.” 

She led the way without another word into the 
wide eastern drawing-room, and threw open the 
shutters to let in the morning sunshine. 

Here you are, my child, free to do exactly as 
you please. Make the rooms as pretty as you 
can, and I begin with this first, because it is chief. 
You can call for one of the men to cut as many 
flowers as you like. The bushes and trees are 
loaded with blossoms now. And, oh ! here is 
something you will like, at least I hope so. A 
gift from the daughter of a dear old friend, her- 
self as noble a woman as ever drew breath 
though she couldn’t help he that, wdth such a 
mother! The girl — dear me! she’s fifty, if a 
day, but a girl to me always! — this girl is 
manager of one of the art rooms in the city, and 
she brought me this for a birthday gift from there. 
Isn’t it pretty ?” 

There was no answer, and Miss Joanna turned 
about swiftly. She was a woman who liked 
others to share her enthusiasms. 

Isabelle was straining with clasped hands and 
parted lips, gazing amazedly upon a threefold 


268 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


screen shielding the hearthplace. The panels 
bore each a female figure, but the central one was 
that which had engrossed the young artist’s atten- 
tion to the exclusion of the others ; and its design 
was a golden-haired child in a delicate drapery of 
heliotrope tint reaching upward to pull the bunches 
of wistaria blooms from a vine wreathed above 
her head. The scheme of the coloring, even to 
the framing of the screen, was of heliotrope and 
gold, and the effect was of indescribable light and 

joy. 

Ah ! I see you like it ! We think it is beau- 
tiful, beautiful ! and my friend says that though 
they do not know the artist’s name now, the Art 
Directors will make every effort to hunt her up 
and help her on ; for I suppose it must be a 
woman, since this is a Women’s Society.” 

Still Isabelle did not speak, her words seemed 
utterly to have deserted her ; but there w^as one 
at hand who was never at a loss for language, and 
with a rush and whirl Beatrice came waltzing into 
the great room, her eyes dancing as gayly as her 
feet, and her lips bubbling over with laughter. 

Oh ! I could n’t stand it any longer ! I 
thought I should just burst with impatience, so 
I told Mr. Brook he would have to excuse me a 
minute, whether or no, and here I am ! Now, 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


269 


Miss Isabelle Beckwith, what have you to say for 
yourself ? Did n’t I have a surprise for you, 
and is n’t it just too glorious to be true ?” 

I — I can’t believe it ! Even yet ! ” 

Well, I should like to know what has come 
over you two children ! ” exclaimed Miss Joanna, 
utterly at sea for an explanation of this odd 
behavior. 

Bonny stopped dancing, went up to her sister, 
threw her arms impulsively about Isabelle’s neck, 
and kissed her heartily. Then she asked, Shall 
I tell her, or will you, dear ? ” 

Belle blushed a little, but her eyes shone with 
pride as she turned toward Miss Brook. Since 
I have heard your opinion of the panel when you 
did not know who painted it, I suppose I may tell 
you that your words made me very proud. That 
^ Wistaria ’ is my own work.” 

My goodness ! Is it possible ! And to think 
that I never dreamed it ! Yet why should I ? 
The only signature anywhere about the picture is 
a blade of grass in one corner.” 

Yes,” laughed Isabelle, now as gay as she had 
been speechless before, that was the only one I 
dared use. I am such a mere beginner in art, 
that I feel as if I really know nothing yet! 
Only I feel it within me — strong, strong, strong ! 


270 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


■ — that I shall sometime be able to put a little of 
myself, my dreams and ambitions, into visible 
form ! Ob ! I am so grateful and so humble. 
I am ready now, dear Miss Joanna, to say with 
you, ^ God is so loving, so generous ! ’ ” 

There was silence in the room for a moment, 
during which Bonny’s dark eyes filled with an 
unwonted moisture ; and rather than sprinkle 
down the occasion ” she stole quietly away and 
to her own duty in that big study, where natural 
history and she had such a tussle daily to under- 
stand each other, but where a growing friend- 
ship had been established between them under 
the wise instruction of Philipse Chidly Brook, 
Esquire. 

Beatrice’s departure broke the spell, and Miss 
Joanna moved swiftly forward and clasped the 
trembling, success-humbled Isabelle in her kindly 
arms. Ah ! my dear, if you can take your 
good fortune in such guise, all things wdll be pos- 
sible to you. I envy you; yes, even if it is 
wicked ! The feeling in your heart at this moment 
must be so exquisite 1 To be conscious of one’s 
own power to transcribe a little of this wonderful 
beauty all about us so that other eyes may read 
its secret too, and to be assured that the dear 
God is approving by helping one as He has helped 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 271 

you now, must be happiness indeed ! My darling, 
I congratulate you with all my heart ! 

Belle looked up with glistening eyes. Where 
was now the envy that had tormented her soul 
as she had approached that house but a few 
moments before ? Gone utterly. For ten times 
the wealth and pride of all the Brooks who ever 
lived in those stately old rooms she would not 
have given up one iota of the pure joy which 
now thrilled her heart. 

Dear lady, a bit of a while ago it was I who 
was envious. Now I wouldn’t change places 
with you for the world ! But, dear me ! how 
horrid that sounds ! ” 

^^No, no, no. Let it stand! You are like a 
young queen who has known all along that her 
blood was royal, but whom the world has not 
acknowledged. Now you are free to enter into 
your kingdom. In the name of the people, wel- 
come ! See to it, crowned one, that you always, 
as now, reverence your high estate ! ” 

Miss Joanna kissed the girl gently on her 
white brow, then moved quietly away ; and Isa- 
belle looked after her wonderingly. I did not 
dream that she had all that romance and fine 
feeling in her alert, practical nature! Well, I 
shall know a new Miss Joanna now, and love her 


272 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


dearly, dearly ! But I came over here to work, 
not to dream ; and though I am so glad I can 
hardly keep still, I will do, exactly as Motherkin 
would bid me, ^ the task that lies nearest the 
best that I can.' ” 

Certainly no rooms were ever arranged with 
more loving delicacy of touch and judgment than 
were these old parlors for Miss Brook’s dinner- 
party ; and when all was finished and Isabelle 
free at length to go home, she approached her 
old friend with something of timidity in her air. 

Miss Joanna, may I speak with you a 
moment ? ” 

An hour, if you will. It would take all that 
to express my pleasure in everything, yourself 
included, if I were to try to put it into words.” 

Then will you understand me exactly, when 
I say, something, maybe queer — ” 

My dear, we have taken a peep each into the 
other’s soul this morning. I am certain there 
will be no misunderstanding. You may say all 
you wish.” 

But even wise Miss Brook was not wholly pre- 
pared for what was forthcoming, though secretly 
rejoiced at it. 

“Well, you see, all of us, except myself, 
have some way of earning money ; there does not 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


273 


seem to be anything especial I can do, unless — 
This arranging your rooms has put an idea into 
my head. Do you think some of the other rich 
families about here, the ^ summer folks ' and all, 
would give me an opportunity to help them get 
ready for their social gatherings, as I have done 
for you ? I want, this is what you must certainly 
understand, I want to always fix your things if 
you will let me, because it is the only way I 
can show— No, that isn’t it ! Because I love 
you ! You have from the first seemed to like 
me, and I have been so glad of it. Bonny is so 
bright, and Roland so manly and good, and little 
Bob so — ” 

The least said about little Bob the better ! ” 
cried the old lady, smiling so brightly that Isa- 
belle was quite' reassured. “ We all love the 
little scamp who teases the patience out of us 
a dozen times a day.” 

^^But for these other people, if T — who do 
understand the value of beautiful things, even if 
I don’t own them — could take care of their bric- 
a-brac, put their apartments in order after the 
maids have done their sweepings, and as I imagine 
few servants are trained to do, at a small price 
per hour, I should be very glad to do it.” 

Miss Brook put on her spectacles and looked 
18 


274 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


fixedly at her young neighbor. My dear, they 
said you were the proud one of the family.” 

So I am.” 

And yet you realize what you are asking ? ” 
Perfectly. It will be putting myself in a 
servant’s place.” 

I fancied you were even a little ashamed to 
have your brother drive the ^Parcel Express.’ ” 

I v/as ashamed of everything.” 

^^Well!” 

Now I am only ashamed of myself, ashamed 
of the ignoble shame I felt then.” 

But the artist in you ? Will you not be 
coining money by that talent soon ? ” 

I think not. Those who do the best work 
are the least appreciated for a while. It has been 
so in so many lives of real artists. No, indeed, 
I am not dazzled by the sale of one panel ! 
^ One swallow does n’t make a summer.’ And 
if I can earn money in some other way, I can — 
I can keep my soul clean. I need never earn 
^ pot-boilers ’ by a desecration of what little power 
I possess, but I can always keep that channel 
to expand in. Does that sound very presumptu- 
ous and conceited in me ? ” 

It sounds as I wish thousands of other 
workers felt. We should have truer pictures, 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


275 


finer statues, loftier literature, if the greed for 
money were kept out of the question. You are 
right. Roland is right. If he is a poet, he will 
not be debarred his privilege to sing because he 
ploughs the field or drives the ^ Parcel Express.’ 
If you are an artist, you will work out your beau- 
tiful conception none the less because you have to 
live in industry, not idleness. My child, I shall 
always call upon you to help me gratuitously; 
but you shall help my neighbors at the rate of 
thirty cents an hour ! Do I understand you, 
think ? ” 

Isabelle gave a quick, warm embrace to the 
kind creature beside her, and, her task being done, 
escaped before she betrayed herself into any more 
sentiment. 

It was a very different girl who bounded home- 
wards over the sun-dried grass than she who had 
moved wearily, almost despondently, along the 
regular paths a few hours before, and her heart 
rejoiced at sight of her mother’s face watching 
for her from the kitchen door. 

Ah ! the dear Motherkin ! I can hardly wait 
to tell her. She will be as glad, almost more 
glad than I ! ” 

But what is that ? At first sight of her daugh- 
ter’s form approaching The Lindens, Mrs. Beck- 


276 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


with had hurried forward^ waving a strip of paper 
above her head. She seemed quite as excited and 
eager as Isabelle herself ; and as soon as they had 
come within hailing distance, two shouts crossed 
each other on the sun-lighted air. 

My daughter, good news, good news ! A check 
— for you ! ” 

Oh, Motherkin ! I was never so happy in 
my life ! ” 


CHAPTER XXI. 


THKEE YEARS LATER. THE RESULT, 

T hree years have passed since Isabelle ran 
gayly over the fields to greet her mother 
and to receive the first money she had ever earned 
in her life. 

The little check made out in her mother’s name 
for the unknown painter of the Wistaria panel” 
had been used to supply its possessor with an 
assortment of the best dusters, brushes, and 
chamois appliances for the care of bric-a-brac and 
articles of virtu, and the balance had been ex- 
pended in colors and canvases. 

Miss Joanna had been as good as her word. 
The dinner-party had been a complete success, 
with Mrs. Beckwith and her elder daughter 
among the guests, and with no end of admiring 
phrases concerning the graceful decorations of 
the old house falling upon the decorator’s grateful 
ears. Whereupon Miss Brook had started the 
ball rolling in a quiet way, and within a few 
days Isabelle had already been called upon three 


278 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


times to help ” some distracted hostess prepare 
for a social entertainment. 

Those who called upon her once, invariably did 
so the second time ; and before the end of her 
first season,” as Bonny teasingly called her 
sister’s early experiments. Miss Beckwith had be- 
come the fashion, but, fortunately, a fashion ” 
so thoroughly useful and agreeable that she was 
destined to outlive the common existence of 
fads ” and to be looked upon as a necessity in 
New Windsor festivities. 

Now three years had slipped away. Almost 
imperceptibly, isn’t it, Motherkin ? We have 
been, we always are, so busy that it does n’t seem 
any time from one spring to another ; ” and there 
was to be a little dinner-party at The Lindens 
itself. 

The list of guests is a short one, but big 
enough to cover our dearest friends, after all ; 
and that ’s all a body, a work-a-day body, wants 
of any company. If we had n’t ^ waived for- 
mality for once ’ and invited Mr. Doll o way to 
dine with his ^ betters,’ we should have had an 
odd number at table, and if there ’s anything I 
dislike it is a lop-sided table.” 

Come, Beatrice ! No trespassing on my pre- 
serves ! I am the judge of what a table should be, 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


279 


and if onr third guest had proved as ^ contrary ’ 
as I fully expected, I was going to crown my 
eighth chair with laurel and set it up to the 
^ Success of The Lindens and the Family In- 
dustry ! ’ However, I ’d rather see a happy 
human face at the table’s foot than any laurel 
wreath ; and there they all come ! ” As she 
spoke, Isabelle gave a satisfied glance about the 
peace room,” and the banquet therein prepared. 

I don’t wonder you ’re proud, Belle ! Every 
dish of which we shall partake has been prepared 
by your own fingers, as well as almost all the 
lovely things in this room, except, of course, 
my masterpiece of honey. The Bees, the Lieu- 
tenant, and your Humble Servant claim credit 
for that golden pyramid ! Ah, yes, and the 
Eggs, and the Chickens, and the Boned Turkey, 
— these are the Mother kin’s ! But all the rest — 
They ’re at the door, dear ! Come and receive 
them.” 

Arm in arm the sisters passed to the wide 
porch, and stood there smiling welcome upon the 
three aged figures which came slowly up the 
driveway. 

Ah, ha, my dears ! That ’s what I like ! A 
welcome at the open door ! That ’s hearty and 
old-fashioned, and as it should be. Between 


280 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


friends, my dears, between friends. Of course, in 
a stately assemblage one must do as custom dic- 
tates. And may I be allowed to pay you both a 
bit of a compliment on this happy occasion ! ” 
Allowed or not, brother Chidly, you are cer- 
tain to pay it ; but they ’ll bear it. They ’ll bear it 
without spoiling by it,” said Miss Joanna, gayly. 

Once in a way it does no harm to tell a girl 
she’s pretty, when the beauty is offset, as in 
our dear ones here, by such good common-sense. 
Three years, is it ? Three days it almost seems 
to me ! Time goes so fast when one is old ; 
though I ’m not really old yet, am I ? Nor 
Chidly here, nor Dolloway, who consented, at 
last, to sit down to our feast with us. Ah ! here’s 
the Mother ! ” 

At this moment Mrs. Beckwith — one had to 
look twice to be sure that this round, plump 
matron was really the once fragile Mrs. Beckwith 
— appeared to add her welcome to her daugh- 
ters’. She leaned proudly, as any mother might, 
upon the arm of a tall, broad-shouldered youth of 
twenty, whose upper lip had just become inter- 
esting to himself and an unfailing source of 
amusement to Mistress Beatrice ! But the air of 
real manliness, the honest courage and determina- 
tion of the bright eyes under the heavy brows. 


AMOXG THE LH^DENS. 


281 


told of a character strong enough to afford an 
occasional weakness, even to suspecting a mus- 
tache where mustache there was none. 

On the mother’s other side walked Robert, for 
once separated from the rifle which had been his 
latest gift from the adoring Mr. Dolloway, who 
declared again and again — and nobody had the 
heart to contradict him — that if it had not been 
for that now historic spanking,” administered 
upon the occasion of his first meeting with- 

Humpty-Dumpty,” a valuable citizen would 
have been lost to the world. 

Did “ Bob ” resent this ? Not a bit. He had 
long since learned to look upon his old comrade 
as the most delightful, generous, indulgent person 
in existence ; and he now forsook his mother to 
clap Mr. Dolloway upon the shoulder, exclaiming: 

Say, Partner ! Why did n’t you take that 
honey out of that hive last night ? If we ’re 
going to let you share in the business, you 
mustn’t expect to shirk, you know.” 

Robert ! that is impertinent.” 

^^Well, I don’t mean it that way. Partner 
knows. But he told me to go off and practise 
shooting at that sardine box on the lane gate-post 
and he ’d tend to the honey things for Bon. But 
he did n’t, and I got the lecture ’stead of to.” 


282 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


Well/’ retorts the partner/’ I had to 
watch the way you scored, did n’t I ? If I had n’t 
you ’d ’a’ claimed more ’n I had myself ! I was n’t 
going to allow that, you may believe ! ” 

The others exchanged smiles. If there was any 
among the group who showed signs of that second 
childhood which is given to great age, it was gruff, 
kindly, honest old John. He did not feel, he 
rarely appeared, any older than his young and con- 
stant companion. He still served ” Mr. Brook, 
but would have been dumfounded had that gener- 
ous old master ” actually requested any service ; 
and it was a saying in the neighborhood that 
Holloway owned the whole Brook household.” 
Which was not quite true ; though this is true, that 
Mr. Chidly and Miss Joanna, feeling profoundly 
grateful for the wonderful vitality and soundness 
of intellect with which a good God and right liv- 
ing had blessed their own old age, felt also a 
parental interest and care over the more restricted 
powers of this venerable, faithful friend. 

The bees ! I have n’t seen the apiary for a 
week ! ” exclaimed Mr. Brook. If it will not 
delay our hostess, let us visit that before the busy 
workers have retired for the night. I am never 
tired, never, of watching these tiny creatures, nor of 
learning from them. By the way, Beatrice, that 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


283 


little article of yours on ' The Mechanism of the 
Bee’s Sting ’ has just been published in the ^ Maga- 
zine of Natural History ’ for this month. Did you 
know it ? ” 

Bonny made a little grimace, and pointed 
proudly toward the orderly city of hives, which 
now really deserved the name of apiary, and 
which had acquired a reputation throughout many 
States, so that the Beckwith” supplies of all 
sorts of bee-stock were in good demand among the 
markets ; which was only the beginning of what 
this ambitious girl of seventeen hoped to accom- 
plish. For I will not stop, if I can possibly help 
it, till I have earned and saved enough to give my 
little brother a college education. The rest of us 
have had to do without, but there ’s no reason why 
we should n’t have one scholar in the family ! ” 

To which Robert listened with perfect compla- 
cency and the reflection that if he did go to col- 
lege he ’d be the champion of the football team, 
anyhow ! ” 

He bade fair to excel in anything athletic, cer- 
tainly, and, for Bonny’s sake, let us hope he will 
in things scholastic. He did, indeed, stand at the 
head of his class at the public school he attended, 
and his mathematical powers were excellent. But, 
at his age, there is no calculating with exactness 


284 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


what he may prove to be in the years to 
come. 

As they turned houseward again, after a close 
inspection of the well-kept apiary, Mrs. Beckwith 
slipped an arm about her younger daughter’s 
waist. What is this I hear, dearie ? Have you 
taken to writing for the press ? ” 

If I had, Motherkin, I should have had to tell 
you at once. But it was this way : Mr. Brook is 
kind enough to say I can put things quite clearly 
on paper, with my little typewriter ; and I hap- 
pened to please him with some notes I made. So 
nothing would answer but I must write them out 
more fully and let him send them to the magazine 
he mentioned. Of course, they would n’t refuse 
to publish anything he sent ! So — that ’s all 
there is to that story! Therefore, little Madam, 
don’t lay the flattering unction to your soul that 
you are the parent of a literary creature. You 
are not ; only of a common-sense, happy, healthy, 
hard-working little girl! ” 

There was a close pressure of the hand, and 
Mrs. Beckwith rejoined her guests. Talk about 
queens ! That little woman, with the soft gray 
hair and the loving smile upon her lips, thought 
that there was never a human being so rich and 
so blessed as she. 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


285 


In five minutes more they were all seated at 
the well-arranged table, the sight of which, Miss 
Joanna declared, would give even a dyspeptic an 
appetite ! ” 

Yet Mr. Brook’s eyes wandered about the apart- 
ment curiously. I never enter this room but I 
find something new in it to admire. Joanna, 
look behind you, please ! ” 

Miss Brook wheeled swiftly about. What 
Chidly discovered admirable was always doubly 
so to his sister. 

The chrysanthemum tapestry ! The dream 
embodied at last ! ” 

Just as her children wished, there hung upon 
the wall beside the wide hearthplace, where 
somebody could appreciate it,” the vision Mrs. 
Beckwith had seen in Mr. Brook’s basket of 
chrysanthemums so long ago. 

Until to-day, a secret even from us, for whom 
she wrought it all 1 ” cried Isabelle, eagerly. 

Is n’t it beautiful ? Is n’t it perfect ? ” 

Mr. Dollo way’s opinion had not yet been called 
for; but he was ^Hhe privileged member” every- 
where, and he coolly left the table, putting on 
his horn-bowed spectacles as he did so. “Well, 
Master, I thought I was right, even without my 
glasses ! But I will say them is the best picters 


286 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


you an’ Miss Brook has ever had took ! Who 
done ’ em ? ” 

Who could do them, who could use a needle 
so exquisitely, who' in this world, but our own 
blessed little mother ? ” answered Bonny, enthusi- 
astically. 

The needle ! you don’t tell me them faces is 
sewed ? ” 

Certainly. Every particle of the work is 
done with a needle, — the needle of a genius ! her 
children think.” 

An’ I should think they might ! ” returned the 
old man, fixing his eyes solemnly upon Mrs. Beck- 
with, who had always had his highest veneration, 
but who now seemed to have been suddenly lifted 
oft from the common earth and placed upon a 
pedestal; and so overwhelmed in thought was 
he that he began to eat his dinner without a 
word, even one reminiscence ” of his beloved 
California.” 

^‘■'Well, my dears, are you all satisfied, quite 
satisfied, with our experiment?” asked Mr. Brook, 
as they finally grouped about the fireplace, prepar- 
atory to saying good-night. Three years must 
have proved the wisdom of it, seems to me.” 

^Mndeed, it has, dear friend. We are all well, 
happy, and I believe useful. Isabelle has, through 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


287 


her domestic talents, — the very last she dreamed 
that she possessed three years ago, — found 
entrance into the households of the rich, and has 
there learned that no amount of money can give 
happiness. She has by a despised faculty been 
enabled to cultivate her highest ; and it is one of 
the good things we have to tell you to-night, that 
her last picture will be hung, ^ on its own 
merits ’ and on the line ! at the forthcoming exhi- 
bition in the National Gallery. This coming 
year she proposes to go into town regularly for 
the instruction which she desires, and which her 
^ servant wages ’ will pay for. But, Roland, speak 
for yourself. Mother does not wish to monop- 
olize the talk.” 

have nothing to tell, Motherkin, except 
that I have had a few bits of verse accepted at 
the Criterion^ and am therefore satisfied that it 
was a golden opportunity you offered me of 
coming into the country and learning to be — a 
man ! And I am grateful for the hard work 
wRich kept me from writing trash till I could 
write some simple thing the people would care to 
hear.” 

An’ I — I have got a hundred dollars in the 
bank!” cried Robert ‘Ghe mercenary,” at which 
all laughed. 


288 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


How about you, my Bonny ? Do you regret 
that the only chance you have to sing is in the 
house of God and in your own home ? ” 

Surely,” exclaimed Miss Joanna, she cannot 
regret that ! For, if she did but know it, more 
people come to church of a Sunday to hear her 
rich young voice in her solos than to hear the 
pastor’s sermon. The one last Sabbath w^as 
heart-moving.” 

The more shame to them, then ! And to me 
that I cannot do better. No, I regret nothing, 
save my own limitations. But, like my sister, I 
think I will also treat myself to a few lessons 
this coming year, and try to do ever so much finer 
work. Though I shall never sing any more 
really — out of my heart and because I can’t help 
it, you know — than I do now. Nor, if the chance 
were offered me, which it won’t be, would I 
exchange my life here for that of Miy prima donna 
living ! ” 

Preemer donners are awful rich. Bonny ! ” 
admonished Robert. 

^^Well, so are you, small sir, if you had sense 
enough to believe it ! So are we all, I think.” 

Amen ! ” said Miss Joanna, earnestly. 

But Mrs. Beckwith quietly rose and struck a 
few chords on the well-used instrument beside 


AMONG THE LINDENS. 


289 


her. There was a moment’s hush ; then out 
upon the gathering twilight floated the first 
strains of the familiar Doxology. 

Bonny led them, but the other voices followed 
swiftly. Even the cracked, quavering tenor — 
that once had been — of old John Dolloway 
feared not to yield its tribute of sweet Praise 
God ! ” to Him who had been, who ever would 
be, to each and all of them so close a Friend. 


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